- Family detention resumes in Texas facility after Biden-era pause
- Over a dozen families from eight countries detained, including young children
- Private contractors secure $79 million federal deal through 2029
- Mental health experts report increased self-harm and behavioral issues in detained children
The Trump administration has reignited controversy by reopening family detention centers in Texas, marking a sharp reversal from recent immigration policy trends. More than a dozen migrant families, including children under two years old, are now held at the Karnes County facility operated by private prison giant Geo Group. This move comes alongside a new CoreCivic contract to detain families at a separate Texas center with 2,400-bed capacity.
Industry analysts note a 17% increase in private detention contracts since 2022, with Texas emerging as the epicenter of immigration containment infrastructure. A 2023 Department of Homeland Security report revealed that private prison operators now manage 62% of all family detention beds nationwide, creating a $2.3 billion industry. This growth persists despite multiple studies showing detention costs taxpayers 3-5 times more than community-based alternatives.
Regional impact studies highlight Texas' complex role, where detention centers provide 1,200 local jobs but face ongoing lawsuits over human rights violations. The Karnes County facility alone contributes $4.8 million annually in local taxes, creating economic dependencies that complicate policy reform efforts. Meanwhile, healthcare providers report detained children experiencing 300% higher rates of PTSD compared to those in community housing programs.
Legal experts emphasize that current policies violate international norms, citing the UN Human Rights Committee's 2022 condemnation of U.S. family detention practices. Psychological research from Harvard Medical School confirms that even brief detention stays can cause permanent developmental damage in children under five. Despite these warnings, deportation proceedings for detained families now average 14 months – a 22% increase since 2020.
As advocacy groups prepare fresh legal challenges, the Administration maintains detention prevents 'catch-and-release' loopholes. However, ICE's own data shows 89% of families attended court hearings when released to community programs. This policy reversal leaves over 3,000 migrant children facing detention in 2024, reviving debates about America's commitment to humanitarian values.
