Federal Authorities Select Angola Prison for Immigrant Detainees

UPDATE: Federal authorities have just announced that a notorious Louisiana prison will be repurposed to hold immigrant detainees, aiming to encourage self-deportation, according to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The complex within the Louisiana State Penitentiary, widely known as Angola, will serve as a facility for some of the “worst of the worst” detainees, as revealed by Noem during a press conference on Wednesday.

This development is significant as it reflects the federal government’s intensified efforts to manage illegal immigration amid ongoing controversies surrounding deportation practices. Angola, with its grim reputation as one of the most dangerous prisons in the U.S., is set to hold approximately 400 detainees, a small fraction of the more than 100,000 detainees that ICE anticipates under a recently signed $45 billion expansion of immigration detention centers.

The prison’s historical context adds weight to its selection. Angola has a legacy of violence and harsh conditions, once described as “the bloodiest prison in America.” Built on land that was formerly a plantation, its reputation for brutality has persisted for over a century. Noem confirmed the prison was chosen specifically for its notorious past, stating, “This facility will hold the most dangerous of criminals.”

As of now, Angola currently houses about 50 immigration detainees. The facility, sprawling across 18,000 acres, is surrounded by a formidable fence topped with five rows of barbed wire, with armed guards monitoring the perimeter. The nearby natural habitat includes alligators and bears, a stark reminder of the remote and foreboding environment that detainees will face.

This decision aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to project a tough-on-crime image regarding immigration enforcement. The announcement comes as the administration seeks to expand its infrastructure for deportations, with new facilities like the “Speedway Slammer” in Indiana and the “Cornhusker Clink” in Nebraska also in the works.

The urgency of this move cannot be understated. As the federal government ramps up its immigration policies, many living in the U.S. illegally may face increased pressure to self-deport. The emotional ramifications for families and communities are significant, as individuals grapple with the fear of detention and deportation.

The unfolding situation at Angola prison will be closely monitored, with advocates and officials alike watching to see how this impacts the detainees and their families. As the administration presses forward, further developments are expected in the coming days regarding the operation of this facility and its role in the national immigration strategy.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.