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Former Prison Becomes Controversial ICE Detention Center in Tennessee

9/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A former Tennessee prison has been repurposed as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Mason, accepting detainees since September 10, 2025.
Operated by CoreCivic, the facility can accommodate up to 500 detainees, with 20 currently housed.
Local residents voiced strong opposition during a public meeting, while Mayor Eddie Noeman supports the center for its potential job creation and revenue generation.
Critics, including the ACLU, express concerns about detainee treatment, citing CoreCivic's history of high death rates and mistreatment allegations.

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Story summary

A former Tennessee prison has been repurposed as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Mason, accepting detainees since September 10, 2025.
Operated by CoreCivic, the facility can accommodate up to 500 detainees, with 20 currently housed.
Local residents voiced strong opposition during a public meeting, while Mayor Eddie Noeman supports the center for its potential job creation and revenue generation.
Critics, including the ACLU, express concerns about detainee treatment, citing CoreCivic's history of high death rates and mistreatment allegations.