Fact Check: Judge Halts CoreCivic from Housing Immigrants in Kansas
What We Know
On June 4, 2025, a state court judge issued a ruling that prevents CoreCivic, a private prison operator, from housing immigrants at the Midwest Regional Reception Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. This ruling mandates that CoreCivic must obtain a special use permit from city officials before proceeding with any plans to house immigrants facing deportation in the facility, which had been previously shuttered (AP News, Fox 4 KC). The city of Leavenworth had filed a lawsuit against CoreCivic, arguing that the company needed city approval to reopen the facility, which CoreCivic contested, claiming it had not abandoned the facility and that the permitting process would be too lengthy (AP News, Wichita Eagle).
Analysis
The ruling by the judge aligns with the legal framework that requires private entities to secure local permits for operational changes, particularly when it involves housing vulnerable populations such as immigrants. The judge's decision reflects the city's concerns about the facility's past management and the potential implications of reopening it for immigrant detention (AP News, Fox 4 KC).
The credibility of the sources reporting this event is strong; both the Associated Press and Fox 4 KC are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The Associated Press, in particular, has a long history of reporting on immigration and detention issues, providing context and background that supports the claims made in the articles (AP News, AP News).
Moreover, the legal context surrounding the case is significant. The judge's order is not merely a procedural formality but a reflection of broader societal and political tensions regarding immigration policy and the role of private prisons in the U.S. system. The city officials' frustrations with CoreCivic stem from past experiences with the facility, which had been criticized for its management and conditions (AP News, Wichita Eagle).
Conclusion
The claim that a judge halted CoreCivic from housing immigrants at the Midwest Regional Reception Center in Leavenworth, Kansas, unless it obtains a permit from city officials is True. The ruling was made on June 4, 2025, and reflects both legal requirements and local government concerns regarding the facility's operation.
