News Summary
A new ICE detention facility called the Louisiana Lockup has opened at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. It will house high-risk illegal migrants deemed as serious criminals, with 51 already transferred. Funded by the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ this facility is part of a larger DHS initiative to increase detention capacity and enhance immigration enforcement amid rising concerns over criminal activities linked to migrants.
Angola, Louisiana – A new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility, dubbed the “Louisiana Lockup,” has officially opened at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola. This facility will specifically accommodate some of the most dangerous illegal migrants deemed serious criminals. As of its opening, 51 migrants have already been transferred to the new facility.
The Louisiana State Penitentiary, covering 18,000 acres, has a long history of violence and is infamous for the harsh conditions that once led to its being labeled the “bloodiest prison in the South.” The nickname arose in 1962, following numerous violent incidents, including high instances of stabbings. Inmates at Angola successfully sued the state in the early 1970s over the prison’s living conditions, resulting in reform mandates from the courts.
Designed with security and severity in mind, the Louisiana Lockup will house criminal illegal migrants who are considered a threat to society. This initiative is part of a larger expansion in detention capacity backed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has partnered with Louisiana to add 416 new beds to the facility, enabling further detentions and deportations.
Funding and Expansion
The funding for this new facility comes from legislative support under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which permits ICE to create up to 80,000 additional detention beds aimed at increasing deportations. Camp J, a portion of the Louisiana Lockup, had been previously used for solitary confinement and is now viewed as reformed accommodation for detainees. Following a state emergency declaration by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry in late July, renovations to Camp J were expedited, allowing for a rapid operational setup.
Previous Facilities and Renovations
Camp 57, another name for the area, has been closed for years prior to these recent updates, which took only about 30 days to complete. Currently, the facility is equipped with additional features, including a law library and a chapel, enhancing the environment for detainees while ensuring strict separation from the general prison population at Angola.
Current Detainee Profiles
The Louisiana Lockup is expected to house individuals with severe criminal backgrounds, including charges related to drug trafficking, aggravated rape, and child pornography. This facility is part of a broader initiative to remove violent migrants from the United States, as stated by DHS officials. It emphasizes a specific focus on individuals accused of heinous crimes such as murder and sexual assault.
Broader Context
The Louisiana Lockup’s establishment aligns with the administration’s ongoing collaboration with state officials and private prison systems to enhance the capabilities of immigration detention. This opening follows the recent court-ordered closure of the “Alligator Alcatraz” facility in Florida, which faced legal and environmental challenges.
As part of Governor Landry’s warning to those in the country illegally, he indicated that any criminal illegal aliens risk being transferred to facilities like the Louisiana Lockup should they infringe upon U.S. laws. This warning highlights the state’s commitment to addressing illegal immigration and the challenges posed by serious criminal activities linked to migrants.
The opening of the Louisiana Lockup at Angola marks a significant shift in how the U.S. government is managing its immigration detention policies, particularly in the context of serious criminal offenses. The facility stands as a symbol of the administration’s pledge to enhance citizen safety and enforce immigration laws more strictly.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Immigration Detention in the United States
- Politico
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Fox News
- Google Search: Louisiana Lockup
- Fox News Video
- Google News: Louisiana Lockup
- USA Today
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
