California City Immigration Processing Center (CoreCivic)
Overview
The California City Immigration Processing Center is a 2,560-bed CoreCivic facility and the largest private ICE detention center in California. Located in the Mojave Desert (Kern County), it is a former state prison that was reactivated for ICE use. CoreCivic signed a $130 million, two-year contract with ICE. The facility began receiving detainees on August 27, 2025.
Key Details
- Capacity: 2,560 beds
- Operator: CoreCivic
- Contract: $130M two-year definitized ICE contract (through August 2027)
- Began receiving detainees: August 27, 2025
- Population (January 2026): ~1,400 (confirmed during Senate visit)
- Expected annual revenue: ~$100 million+ (at stabilized occupancy)
- Previous status: Formerly a state prison; closed early 2024; reactivated for ICE
Senate Visit (January 2026)
Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla visited the facility in January 2026 and highlighted inadequate medical care. At the time of the visit, the facility held approximately 1,400 detainees. (CalMatters)
Lawsuit to Block Expansion
A coalition of immigrants’ rights groups filed a lawsuit to halt the rapid expansion of the facility. Disability Rights California published a report calling the facility “dangerous for disabled people,” citing lack of accommodations and accessible medical care. (Disability Rights CA)
Financial Significance
At stabilized occupancy, California City alone generates approximately $130 million over two years for CoreCivic, making it one of the most lucrative single facilities in the private detention industry. It is one of six facilities CoreCivic reactivated in 2025 (others in TX, VA, KS, TN, OK).
Sources
- CalMatters — Senators visit California City
- CoreCivic Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results — CoreCivic IR
- ICE’s Largest Prison Contractors Post Record Revenue — Time
- Private prison company CoreCivic signs deal with ICE — Axios
- Disability Rights CA — Dangerous for disabled people
- ICE — California City Detention Facility