Hailey
A major legal setback has hit CoreCivic, one of the nation’s largest private prison operators, as a federal judge has refused to allow the company to move forward with its plan to launch a new ICE detention facility in Leavenworth, Kansas.
The ruling keeps in place a state-level injunction that has already stopped CoreCivic from opening the center, marking the latest development in a tense battle over local authority, immigration enforcement, private detention, and community safety.
The judge’s decision means CoreCivic cannot house immigration detainees at the former prison facility until the state’s legal proceedings—and a broader zoning dispute—are resolved.
Background- What CoreCivic Planned in Leavenworth
CoreCivic sought to reopen its former correctional facility—now referred to as the Midwest Regional Reception Center—as a 1,033-bed ICE detention facility.
The building originally held federal pretrial detainees for the U.S. Marshals Service until it shut down in late 2021, following changes in federal policy restricting the use of private prisons.
After securing a federal contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), CoreCivic prepared to launch the new detention center, projecting millions in revenue and the potential creation of new jobs.
However, the City of Leavenworth insisted that the company must obtain a special use permit before reopening the facility for a different purpose—specifically, immigration detention.
CoreCivic disagreed, arguing the property had not been abandoned and could be reused without additional permitting.
How the Legal Dispute Started
CoreCivic’s Initial Permit Application and Withdrawal
In early 2025, CoreCivic filed a special use permit application, which clearly stated the company’s intention to operate an ICE detention center.
Shortly after, CoreCivic withdrew the application, choosing instead to move forward without city approval.
The City of Leavenworth responded strongly, saying that rezoning and permit requirements were non-negotiable, and filed suit to stop the facility from opening.
The State Judge’s Injunction- The First Major Block
In June 2025, a state district court judge issued a restraining order blocking CoreCivic from opening or housing ICE detainees until the zoning and permit issue was resolved. This injunction was later formalized into a continuing order that explicitly:
- Bans CoreCivic from launching ICE operations
- Confirms the city’s authority to require a special use permit
- Prevents detainees from being transferred into the facility during litigation
- Preserves the city’s right to challenge the facility’s future use
CoreCivic argued the delay would cost the company significant revenue—upwards of $4.2 million per month—and jeopardize their contract with ICE.
But the state judge maintained the block, emphasizing the city’s regulatory authority and the importance of proper zoning procedures.
CoreCivic Turns to Federal Court—and Loses Again
Facing the state injunction, CoreCivic filed a federal lawsuit seeking to override the state judge’s order. The company argued that the city’s actions interfered with federal immigration operations.
But the federal judge dismissed the lawsuit, refusing to intervene in the state’s zoning dispute. The judge ruled that the injunction remained valid and enforceable, effectively keeping the Kansas ICE facility closed.
The ruling also reaffirmed that land-use and zoning issues fall under local legal authority, not federal immigration enforcement operations.
Community Concerns and Local Opposition
Local residents and advocacy groups have raised concerns about CoreCivic’s plan, citing:
- The facility’s past history of violence and safety issues
- Fears about reputation impact on the city
- Worries about increased immigrant detention in the region
- Lack of transparency in CoreCivic’s decision-making
The city maintains that the dispute is fundamentally about local control, orderly development, and community impact—not immigration policy.
Status in Late 2025: Facility Still Blocked
As of November 2025:
- The state injunction remains in effect
- The federal judge has rejected CoreCivic’s lawsuit
- No detainees are allowed at the Leavenworth facility
- CoreCivic has filed an appeal in the Kansas Court of Appeals
- A hearing on that appeal is expected in early 2026
The case will now hinge on whether the appeals court upholds the city’s authority to regulate land use and require special permits.
Key Details About the Kansas ICE Facility Dispute
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | Midwest Regional Reception Center (formerly Leavenworth Detention Center) |
| Location | Leavenworth, Kansas |
| Proposed Use | ICE detention facility |
| Bed Capacity | Approx. 1,033 beds |
| Operator | CoreCivic |
| Reason for Block | Missing special use permit required by city |
| State Legal Status | Injunction blocking operation until further notice |
| Federal Legal Status | Federal judge dismissed CoreCivic’s challenge |
| Estimated Revenue At Stake | $4.2 million+ per month for CoreCivic |
| Next Step | CoreCivic’s appeal in Kansas Court of Appeals (2026 hearing expected) |
Economic Impact and What’s at Stake
CoreCivic has argued that the Kansas ICE facility would bring economic benefits:
- Job creation
- Long-term operations
- Increased local investment
However, critics point out that:
- Economic gains may be overstated
- The facility previously had major safety and staffing problems
- The city’s reputation could suffer
- Long-term reliance on detention centers is risky
The city insists that economic arguments do not override zoning law, saying CoreCivic must follow the same process required of any major development project.
What This Means for ICE Operations
With the Kansas facility off-limits, ICE must rely on:
- Existing regional detention centers
- Out-of-state facilities
- Transport logistics to maintain capacity
This comes at a time when federal policy discussions include expanding detention space, making the Kansas facility strategically important.
However, the courts have made it clear that immigration priorities do not cancel out local zoning laws.
The federal judge’s decision to block CoreCivic’s Kansas ICE facility marks a significant moment in the ongoing power struggle between private prison operators, local governments, and federal immigration authorities.
The ruling reinforces that CoreCivic cannot bypass local zoning laws, especially when transforming a former prison into a large-scale immigration detention center.
With millions of dollars at stake, community concerns rising, and a state-level appeal pending, the future of the Kansas ICE facility remains uncertain.
What is clear, however, is that both state and federal judges have sided with local control—keeping the facility closed until the legal process plays out.