Immigration

Readers react to reported ICE detention expansion in Florence

A security firm has reportedly won a $1.2 billion contract to expand ICE detention in Florence. Here’s what readers think about it.

man with bandana on face as a mask and sunglasses standing outside of a truck
A masked ICE agent outside a courthouse in downtown Phoenix. (Sahara Sajjadi/The Copper Courier)

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A security firm called GardaWorld has reportedly won a $1.2 billion contract to expand immigration detention in Florence.

This is the same company that won a contract to convert a warehouse in Surprise into a detention center. That project is on pause for an environmental review, though, because of a lawsuit from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.

This plan for expansion comes the same week as congressional investigators reported that ICE has wasted tens of millions of dollars on its projects.

From The Associated Press story:

“Among the misspending was nearly $3 million to erect tents at Guantanamo Bay that were never used, $20 million to maintain purchased warehouses that are now being sold without having housed a single detainee, and excessive rates paid to hold detainees at a deficient and now-shuttered Florida lockup.”

I asked what you thought about ICE’s plans to expand in Florence, and here’s what you said: 

💬 “The whole deportation without representation is out of control. Who are these people who are allowed to not identify themselves to the people they’re grabbing. A center in Florence is not necessary just as so many other centers are not. The whole operation is out of control with no guardrails and no oversight.” — Marilyn H.

💬 “NO!  Just NO!” — Karra L.

💬 “They don’t need to waste anymore money or time on this ‘project’ Immigration detention is wrong especially for Florence – dont let them hide there – The whole system is rigged, are they not under a ‘quota’ to grab people – Its just wrong. IMPEACH TRUMP!!!” — Stephanie C.

💬 “Only if it can be used to hold ICE officers who have broken the law and violated the civil and Constitutional rights of others.” — Jerry S.

MORE: Have you been to a No Kings protest? Readers weigh in

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Jessica Swarner
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