Louisiana Opens Camp 57 Immigration Detention Facility

Louisiana Opens Controversial New Immigration Detention Facility

Louisiana has officially opened a new immigration detention facility named Camp 57, located within the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola. This facility will house undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of serious crimes, including murder and rape. The facility is designed to accommodate over 400 detainees and opened its doors this week with 51 detainees already in custody.

Facility Overview

Camp 57, named in honor of Republican Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who is the 57th governor of the state, has been referred to by federal officials as Louisiana Lockup. The opening of this facility is part of a “historic agreement” between the state and federal governments, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that this facility is part of a new partnership between the Trump administration and Louisiana.

Location and Design Features

Situated next to a lake known to have 10-foot-long alligators and near a forest with bear populations, Camp 57 features a chapel and a law library. It is designated exclusively for male detainees and is separated from the general prison population, which occupies an 18,000-acre area at Angola. Prior to its recent opening, the facility had been closed for several years after having been used for disciplinary actions against state inmates. Renovations lasted approximately 30 days.

Significance and Purpose

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that Camp 57 is not a typical ICE detention center and that it specifically aims to manage and deport serious criminal offenders from the undocumented immigrant population. Angola’s historically notorious reputation was a factor in its selection for this facility, intended to signal that those housed there are considered dangerous “illegal criminals.”

Recent Trends and Statistics

The establishment of Camp 57 coincides with an increase in detainee transfers under the Trump administration. Data shows that over half of immigrants detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) between January and July 2025 have been moved to other facilities multiple times. Approximately 61% of detainees experienced transfers that exceeded 100 miles at least once, a rate higher than that observed in previous administrations. These frequent transfers have raised concerns among immigration advocates, who argue that this practice complicates family contact and legal representation for the detainees.

Government Defense and Future Implications

Noem defended the secure nature of Camp 57, explaining that detainees are relocated for logistical reasons connected to their repatriation processes. In addition, a federal judge previously ordered the dismantling of a state-run immigration detention center in Florida, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” which the White House plans to appeal.

Conclusion

The establishment of Camp 57 marks a significant development in the handling of serious criminal offenders within the undocumented immigrant population. The facility’s designation and operational protocols reflect a broader strategy intended to enhance immigration enforcement measures in Louisiana.