ICE detention facility in Mason ‘an immediate need’, CoreCivic says
MASON, Tenn. — In our continuing coverage, we have an update on an immigration detention facility in Tipton County. CoreCivic has confirmed they are now receiving ICE detainees.
The West Tennessee Detention Facility (WTDF) in rural Mason has received its first ICE detainees. CoreCivic confirmed late Wednesday that approximately 25 immigrant detainees arrived at the facility.
The town’s Board of Aldermen approved the contract with CoreCivic on August 12, despite many residents’ objections.
Several residents even took to the streets to protest the decision to partner with the company, as they cited past complaints about CoreCivic’s management.
Although many people opposed the approval of the contract, many people welcomed the move.
Mayor Eddie Noeman says the move will boost the town’s economy with new tax revenue and jobs.
CoreCivic says the facility is expected to create nearly 240 jobs with a starting salary of $26.50 per hour. It would also generate approximately $325,000 in annual property taxes and generate an annual impact fee to the city of over $200,000.
According to CoreCivic, the detention facility is “An immediate need from the federal government for safe, humane, and appropriate housing and care for these individuals.”
WTDF is Tennessee’s only immigration detention facility.
We spoke with several Mason residents who declined to interview, as many are still unhappy with the center’s approval.
The detention facility is expected to house more detainees in the coming weeks.
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