Overview

Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center (Bakersfield) and Golden State Annex (McFarland) are two linked GEO Group facilities in Kern County. Combined with the nearby CoreCivic California City facility (also in Kern County), this makes Kern the highest-concentration detention county in California — 3 facilities, ~3,760 total beds.

Key Details

• Mesa Verde: 425 Golden State Avenue, Bakersfield, CA — ~400 beds
• Golden State Annex: McFarland, CA — ~400 beds
• Operator: GEO Group (since December 2019)
• Combined annual contract value: ~$105M

Population Surge

A COVID-era ACLU agreement capped Mesa Verde’s population at ~50. That agreement expired June 9, 2025, allowing ICE to fill to the maximum ~400. Advocates report steep drops in releases and sharp increases in detentions without warning.

DOJ Findings

Department of Justice inspection found:

• Inconsistent and inadequate psychiatric evaluations
• Over-reliance on medication
• Improper use of restrictive housing (solitary confinement)

Detainee Reports

• Violence, medical neglect, sexual abuse
• Malnourishment and poor living conditions
• Changing ICE practices: from business owner to deportee pattern

ACLU Campaign

The ACLU has asked Kern County officials to shut down both facilities, citing conditions and DOJ findings.

Sources

• KGET — Population surge at Mesa Verde
• KERO — DOJ report on facility conditions
• Bakersfield Now — ACLU asks county to shut down facilities
• South Kern Sol — From business owner to deportee