Louisiana ICE facility opens at Angola prison housing ‘worst of the worst’
ICE Opens New Detention Facility “Louisiana Lockup” at Angola Prison
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has unveiled a new detention facility at the infamous Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola prison. Dubbed “Louisiana Lockup,” the facility is designed to house some of the most dangerous criminal illegal migrants.
According to a Department of Homeland Security official, fifty-one migrants have already been transferred to the facility.
Angola prison, spread across 18,000 acres, gained notoriety as the “bloodiest prison in the South” due to its brutal conditions. Stabbings were so common in 1962 that the prison earned its grim nickname. Legal action in the 1970s forced the state to make reforms to improve conditions.
DHS Partners with Louisiana for Detention Expansion
DHS has collaborated with Louisiana to repurpose part of Angola prison for ICE detention, adding 416 beds to accommodate detainees. The funding for this expansion comes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which enables ICE to increase its detention capacity by 80,000 beds to facilitate deportations.
The entrance of the Louisiana State Penitentiary known as “Angola” was seen in October 2013. (Giles Clarke/Getty Images)
The detainees will be housed in an unused section known as Camp J, previously called the “Dungeon” due to its solitary confinement cells. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency in July to expedite repairs at Camp J.
Similar to “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida, “Cornhusker Clink” in Nebraska, and “Speedway Slammer” in Indiana, “Louisiana Lockup” is the latest facility conversion for ICE.
Strong Statements from Officials
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem say “Louisiana Lockup” will help remove violent, criminal migrants from the U.S. Fifty-one migrants have already been moved into the newly opened prison. (Giles Clarke/Getty Images)
Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the collaboration with Louisiana to enhance detention space and remove criminal illegal aliens. Governor Landry echoed these sentiments, highlighting the facility’s role in ensuring public safety.
ICE New Orleans shared details of criminal illegal aliens arrested, indicating the types of individuals who may be detained at “Louisiana Lockup.”
