Fact Check: ICE has signed a deal with CoreCivic to reopen a 1,033-bed prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, as part of a surge of contracts issued without competitive bids.

Fact Check: ICE Signs Deal with CoreCivic to Reopen Leavenworth Prison

What We Know

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has indeed signed a deal with the private prison company CoreCivic to reopen a 1,033-bed facility in Leavenworth, Kansas. This decision is part of a broader trend where ICE has issued several contracts without competitive bidding, citing a "compelling urgency" for additional detention beds amid increased immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration (PBS, US News). The facility, which has a controversial history, was previously used to house detainees and has faced significant scrutiny and legal challenges from local officials and community activists (PBS, Kansas City Star).

Analysis

The claim that ICE has signed a deal with CoreCivic to reopen the Leavenworth prison is supported by multiple credible sources. According to reports, the deal is part of a surge in no-bid contracts that ICE has issued to private prison companies, which have been criticized for their connection to political figures and for the lack of transparency in the contracting process (US News, PBS).

The facility's reopening has faced opposition from local officials, who argue that CoreCivic should not be allowed to operate without proper permits. The city of Leavenworth has filed a lawsuit against CoreCivic, highlighting the facility's troubled past, which includes allegations of inmate mistreatment and safety violations (PBS, Kansas City Star).

Critics of the deal point out that the use of no-bid contracts raises concerns about accountability and the quality of services provided by private prison operators. Experts have criticized the practice, suggesting that it undermines the competitive bidding process that is typically used to ensure fair pricing and quality service (US News).

Conclusion

The claim that ICE has signed a deal with CoreCivic to reopen a 1,033-bed prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, as part of a surge of contracts issued without competitive bids is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms the existence of the contract and the ongoing legal and community opposition to the facility's reopening.

Sources

1. Address and Duluth Contact - IceForum
2. ICE Is Using No-Bid Contracts, Boosting Big Firms, to Get More ...
3. Trump administration using no-bid contracts, boosting big ...
4. Atlanta IceForum
5. Don't let CoreCivic break law, reopen Leavenworth ICE prison | Kansas ...
6. annual report - Investor Relations | CoreCivic, Inc.
7. Learn to Skate - IceForum
8. Leavenworth sues to keep CoreCivic from reopening Kansas prison as ICE ...