GA GOP celebrates ICE detention center expansion in state. Here’s where, how big
Georgia is set to become home to the largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in the United States with a major expansion of the Folkston ICE Processing Center in Charlton County. Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) announced the expansion project in a press release in early June.
“With this expansion, Georgia will strengthen its status as a national leader in the fight to secure our southern border, Carter said in the press release. “I’m proud to have worked with Charlton County to get the D. Ray James Correctional Facility expansion over the finish line, which will bring jobs and economic growth to our region.”
Details of the new GA ICE facility
The federal government brokered a deal with a private prison company to convert a now- defunct prison into an existing ICE facility.
According to Rep. Carter’s statement:
The project will cost approximately $50 million
Will increase the facility’s capacity from 1,100 detainees to nearly 3,000
Could possibly bring roughly 400 jobs
Formerly the D. Ray James Correctional Facility and will become part of the Folkston ICE Processing Centre in Folkston, Charlton County
Currently awaiting federal government clearance but is expected to be fully operational within 90 days after approval and contract execution.
Impact on the Georgia economy
The expansion promises to bring a significant economic boost to a largely rural and economically limited area, and by expanding an existing facility rather than building anew, the project capitalizes on current infrastructure,
Charlton County County Administrator Glenn Hull emphasized to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that this project represents one of their most important economic development initiatives.
The city of Folkston will receive an annual payment of $600,000 per year from water and sewer services provided to the facility, and Administrator Huff sees the expansion as a strategic boost to an economy dominated by timber and swamp lands.
What can Georgians expect?
For now:
The project is currently under federal review by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a standard procedure for all Department of Homeland Security contracts exceeding $20 million.
GPB reports community responses include active protests by immigrant rights groups concerned citing past deficiencies at the Folkston facility and calling for the expansion to be stopped altogether.
In the future:
This development marks a significant moment for Georgia, both economically and socially. The facility’s expansion may reinforce South Georgia’s leading position for immigration detention as detainee numbers soar.
Critics worry about the impact
Governing reports, “Georgia holds the fifth-largest number of people in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention, second only to Louisiana among the non-border states.” The surging numbers are triggering alarms for local immigrant advocates “who cite health and safety concerns,” while officials highlight job creation and economic growth.
What do you think? Is the new ICE facility a good or bad thing for Georgia? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published July 24, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "GA GOP celebrates ICE detention center expansion in state. Here’s where, how big."
