Marina
The Phelps County Jail in Rolla, Missouri has announced it will no longer accept new ICE detainees starting September 1, 2025.
The decision comes after months of financial strain, as the $85 per night reimbursement provided by the federal government failed to cover the actual expenses of housing immigrant detainees.
Officials say the transportation costs, staffing requirements, and extra paperwork involved in handling detainees from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made the contract financially unsustainable.
While the jail will continue holding detainees already in custody until they are transferred, the partnership with ICE for new detainees will officially end.
This move has sparked debate across the state, with local leaders supporting the sheriff’s decision and activist groups expressing concerns about detainees’ futures.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Termination Date | September 1, 2025 (no new detainees will be accepted) |
| Reimbursement Rate | $85 per night per detainee |
| Issue Identified | Costs of transportation and paperwork not covered by reimbursement |
| Detainees Held So Far | Over 350 individuals since March 2025 |
| Decision Maker | Sheriff Mike Kirn |
| Supported By | Phelps County Commission, led by Presiding Commissioner Joey Auxier |
| Activist Group Involved | “Abide in Love” – provides care packages, hygiene supplies, and family support |
| Community Concern | Where future ICE detainees will be housed and how they will be treated |
Why the Contract is Ending
The $85 nightly rate may sound significant, but the true costs of housing detainees far exceed this figure. Unlike local or state inmates, ICE detainees require additional oversight, transportation to hearings or facilities, and a large amount of paperwork to meet federal requirements.
Sheriff Mike Kirn determined that the jail was actually losing money by continuing to house detainees under the ICE contract. His decision was later supported by county commissioners, who emphasized that the jail must prioritize financial sustainability and the welfare of local taxpayers.
Financial Burden of ICE Detainees
Running a jail is already expensive, but ICE contracts bring unique challenges:
- Transportation Costs: Detainees often need to be transferred long distances for immigration hearings or medical needs.
- Paperwork & Compliance: Federal requirements involve time-consuming documentation, meaning more hours from staff.
- Increased Staffing: ICE detainees often require additional security and monitoring compared to other inmates.
The $85 reimbursement was originally intended to cover daily housing, food, and basic needs — but it did not account for these extra layers of cost.
The Scale of Detainee Housing
Since March 2025, the Phelps County Jail has housed more than 350 detainees. Some stayed only a night, while others remained for several months awaiting immigration hearings or transfers.
This workload stretched the jail’s resources and put added pressure on staff who were already responsible for local inmates. Officials concluded that continuing the contract would eventually jeopardize operations for the broader community.
Who Made the Decision
The move was initiated by Sheriff Mike Kirn, who oversees the jail’s daily operations. His choice was backed by Presiding Commissioner Joey Auxier and the county commission, who emphasized their trust in the sheriff’s judgment.
Local leaders praised Kirn’s practical approach, recognizing that while the ICE contract initially provided revenue, it ultimately created a financial imbalance for the county.
Community Response and Activism
Not everyone welcomed the decision. A local group, Abide in Love, formed in March 2025 to support ICE detainees in the Phelps County Jail. The organization provides:
- Funds for phone calls and texts so detainees can connect with family.
- Food and hygiene packages including clothing and essentials.
- Emotional support through volunteers who advocate for humane treatment.
The group praised Sheriff Kirn for showing concern about detainee conditions but expressed worries about what will happen next. Without Phelps County Jail as an option, detainees may be sent to facilities farther away, potentially facing harsher conditions or reduced family contact.
What Happens to Current Detainees
While no new ICE detainees will be accepted after September 1, 2025, those already held will remain until they can be transferred to other facilities. This transitional process could take weeks or months, depending on available space in other jails.
Community members worry that detainees may lose the relative support they had in Phelps County, especially with Abide in Love’s ongoing assistance.
Broader Implications
The decision highlights a growing tension between local jails and federal contracts. Many counties rely on federal reimbursements as a revenue stream, but as costs rise, more sheriffs are questioning whether ICE contracts are worth the burden.
The Phelps County example may inspire other Missouri counties — or jails in neighboring states — to reconsider similar agreements if reimbursement rates remain stagnant.
The termination of the ICE contract in Phelps County Jail represents a critical financial and humanitarian turning point.
While the jail must protect its budget and resources, the move leaves significant questions about where immigrant detainees will go and how they will be treated in future facilities.
Sheriff Mike Kirn’s decision has been praised for fiscal responsibility, but it also underscores the hidden costs of immigration enforcement at the local level. Meanwhile, groups like Abide in Love remain committed to supporting detainees, even as they face uncertainty.