Appleton MN — CoreCivic's Shuttered Prison Targeted for ICE Detention
The Fight
The Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton, Minnesota is a 1,600-bed private prison owned by CoreCivic, shut down in 2010. In August 2025, internal ICE records obtained by the Washington Post named it as part of a plan to expand detention to 100,000+ beds.
CoreCivic confirmed it was “exploring opportunities” with ICE to reactivate the facility. On September 30, 2025, dozens of faith leaders and community members protested in Appleton.
If activated, it would be one of the nation’s largest immigration detention facilities.
Why This Fight Matters
Prairie Correctional illustrates the CoreCivic reactivation model — the same dynamic as La Palma in Pinal County AZ. Empty private prison beds are a standing invitation for ICE detention. The facility is already built, already zoned, and CoreCivic already owns it. No purchase needed, no zoning change, no community vote. The only barrier is the contract negotiation between CoreCivic and ICE.
As of April 2026, no contract has been signed, but the threat remains active.