Story perspectives

ICE Plans Louisiana Child Detention Center Amid PFAS Crisis

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement is finalizing a lease to open a children’s detention center at England Airpark, Louisiana, in 60-90 days.
Groundwater at the site contains PFAS at 41 million parts per trillion, above federal limits.
Immigrant advocates say families are placed involuntarily and stay longer than the three-to-five days.
Groups say soil and air have never been tested for PFAS, burn-pit residues or asbestos, leaving cleanup pending.

1 of 1

Story summary

President Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement is finalizing a lease to open a children’s detention center at England Airpark, Louisiana, in 60-90 days.
Groundwater at the site contains PFAS at 41 million parts per trillion, above federal limits.
Immigrant advocates say families are placed involuntarily and stay longer than the three-to-five days.
Groups say soil and air have never been tested for PFAS, burn-pit residues or asbestos, leaving cleanup pending.