Full Breakdown
Protests Erupt Over Proposed ICE Detention Facility in North Carolina
2/17/2026, 7:58:02 PM
Overview of the Proposed Facility
Protests are intensifying across North Carolina against plans for a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Winton. This facility is one of three proposed sites in the state, with the GEO Group, a private prison company, owning the property slated for conversion. Demonstrators are set to gather in front of GEO Group's Charlotte office to voice their opposition, highlighting concerns over transparency and the implications of such a facility on local communities.
Local Response and Concerns
Activists, including members of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) Charlotte, have expressed shock at the lack of awareness among local residents regarding the facility's development. Organizer Zach Thomas emphasized the need to hold accountable those responsible for the facility's establishment. Susan Hudson, another protest organizer, criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the project, stating, "Because of this lack of transparency, we have no idea what's going on and when they're slated to open." The ACLU previously had to sue ICE for information regarding the facility, underscoring the community's concerns about oversight and safety.
GEO Group's Financial Gains from ICE Contracts
The GEO Group has reported significant financial growth, with a record profit of $254 million in 2025, largely attributed to contracts with ICE for new detention facilities. Company founder George Zoley noted that the firm secured approximately $520 million in new contracts, marking the highest level of business growth in its history. This expansion includes contracts for facilities that can house thousands of detainees, contributing to a rising population in ICE custody, which has reached approximately 24,000.
Criticism of Private Detention Centers
Critics of private detention facilities, including those operated by GEO Group, point to a troubling history of abuse and inadequate care. Reports indicate that 32 individuals died in ICE custody last year, with a significant number of these deaths occurring in privately operated centers. Allegations of sexual abuse and medical neglect have surfaced, raising ethical concerns about the privatization of immigration detention. Activists argue that these facilities operate without sufficient oversight, leading to systemic issues that compromise the safety and dignity of detainees.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The proposed facility in Winton is not an isolated issue; it reflects a broader trend of increasing reliance on private companies for immigration detention under the Trump administration. The potential opening of this facility raises fears of heightened ICE enforcement in local communities, which could deter immigrants from seeking help or reporting crimes. Organizers are urging local leaders and businesses to reconsider their involvement with ICE-related operations, advocating for a shift towards community safety and human rights.
Verbatim Quotes
- “People are shocked — They're shocked to hear that, you know, right here in their city, this is happening,” — Zach Thomas, Organizer, PSL Charlotte
- “We have to go after the people who are actually responsible for this.” — Zach Thomas, Organizer, PSL Charlotte
- “ICE is not trustworthy to run that facility in a way that promotes human dignity,” — Rev. Lindsay Batesmith, REJOICE Lutheran Church
What's Next
The protest against the GEO Group's facility is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, with organizers planning to escalate their efforts to raise awareness and pressure local officials and businesses to divest from ICE-related contracts. The outcome of these protests may influence future decisions regarding the establishment of detention facilities in North Carolina and beyond.
