A new detention facility named “Louisiana Lockup” is now operational at the infamous Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola prison. This site has a storied, dark reputation, having once been labeled the “bloodiest prison in the South.” It spans over 18,000 acres and gained its unsettling nickname in 1962 due to a notorious wave of stabbings among inmates.
Currently, fifty-one migrants have been relocated to this facility as part of a broader initiative by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase immigration detention capacity. The prison will provide an additional 416 beds, drawing funds from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” aimed at adding a total of 80,000 new detention beds nationwide to facilitate deportations.
Louisiana Lockup is situated in a rarely used part of the facility known as Camp J, historically referred to as the “Dungeon” because of its use for solitary confinement. This development follows the conversion of other detention sites, humorously nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida and “Cornhusker Clink” in Nebraska, highlighting a trend of repurposing existing facilities to tackle immigration enforcement more aggressively.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed gratitude for the opportunity to partner with DHS, emphasizing the intent behind Louisiana Lockup. “Criminal illegal aliens beware: Louisiana Lockup is where your time in America ends…” Landry warned. He affirmed that the facility would specifically target individuals classified as “the worst of the worst,” including murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers. “This facility fulfills President Trump’s Make America Safe Again promise…” he added, expressing confidence in the effectiveness of this expanded enforcement.
During the announcement of this partnership, Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Louisiana Lockup is part of a significant strategy to improve safe communities across the country. “If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in CECOT, Cornhusker Clink, Speedway Slammer, or Louisiana Lockup…” she said, underscoring the urgency of self-deportation for illegal migrants.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outlined the types of criminals likely to fill the ranks at Louisiana Lockup. In a statement, the agency indicated that many of those detained will include violent offenders, a clear jab at illegal immigration critics who claim these individuals pose significant threats to public safety. As the plans unfold, the state’s approach continues to evolve amid ongoing discussions about how best to manage immigration enforcement while ensuring community safety.
The establishment of Louisiana Lockup and other similar facilities indicates a proactive stance on handling the challenges of illegal immigration. This shift in strategy aligns with a broader goal of ensuring that criminal individuals are dealt with promptly and effectively, thus reinforcing public confidence in local and national security measures.
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