Small Town Turns Former Prison Into Migrant Facility, Despite Pushback by Residents

The small town of Mason, Tennessee, has approved plans to convert a former prison into a migrant detention facility.

CoreCivic, a private company, will operate the site after winning approval for its contract, the Associated Press reported. The facility was closed in 2021 when then-President Joe Biden ordered the Justice Department to stop renewing contracts with private detention centers.

On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump rescinded Biden’s order, clearing the way for the project.

Tuesday night’s town meeting drew dozens of protesters, with heated shouting matches breaking out, Fox 13 Memphis reported. Mason Vice Mayor Reynaldo Givhan admitted he “really had to do some soul searching” before voting in favor of CoreCivic. He abstained from the second vote on ICE’s contract.

Mason is home to just 1,337 residents, with a median household income slightly above $47,000, according to Census data.

Mayor Eddie Noeman told Action News 5 the decision was about jobs, not politics. “Nothing to do with anything going on inside the facility,” he said. The Egyptian-American mayor added he is “looking for the best interest of the town,” which in his view means bringing back employment opportunities.

CoreCivic’s history has fueled opposition. The company has faced $44.7 million in fines across multiple prisons, including a case in February. Since 2022, it has been cited for understaffing violations and has spent over $4.4 million settling 80 lawsuits and complaints about mistreatment — including at least 22 inmate deaths, the Associated Press reported.

The Trump administration is ramping up efforts to deport illegal immigrants, and several states are partnering with the federal government to expand ICE detention facilities. Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” recently stalled after a federal judge halted construction. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has vowed to keep fighting.

On Aug. 5, ICE announced a second state partnership, this time with Indiana, which will use part of the Miami Correctional Center for the “Speedway Slammer” migrant facility. “Thanks to Governor Braun for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said. “If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Indiana’s Speedway Slammer. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the CBP Home App.”