Grayson County Detention Center — 158 ICE detainees, 42% over capacity, 287(g) since 2015
Overview
The Grayson County Detention Center in Leitchfield, KY is the most overcrowded ICE-holding facility in Kentucky. With 536 beds and 759 people in custody as of February 2026, it is operating at 42% over capacity — more than 200 people beyond its rated capacity. 158 of those are ICE detainees.
Grayson County has the longest-standing 287(g) agreement in Kentucky (since 2015) and holds multiple agreement types.
Key Facts
- ICE detainees (Feb 2026): 158
- Total population: 759
- Rated capacity: 536 beds
- Overcrowding: 42% over capacity (223 people above capacity)
- 287(g): Active since 2015 (earliest in state)
- Heatmap score: 41 (tied highest in KY with Kenton County)
- Heatmap signals: 287g-agreement: 4, igsa: 2
Why It Matters
Grayson County exemplifies the risks of small rural jails becoming ICE holding facilities. The severe overcrowding (42% over capacity) means detainees are sleeping without beds, with inadequate sanitation facilities. This is particularly concerning given that the facility holds a mix of ICE detainees (many noncriminal) alongside the general jail population.
The county also refused to disclose its ICE contracts or monthly billing data, creating a transparency gap similar to what was seen in Oldham and Hopkins counties.