KARNES CITY, Texas – Karnes County Commissioners voted 3-2 in favor of doubling the capacity of the U.S. government's detention center for immigrant women and children from 600 to 1,200 beds.
In return, the county will get $125,000 annually, more jobs at the center, and according to the GEO Group, $500,000 in additional tax revenue.
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"I think it's unfortunate they voted that way. I feel they voted that way because they are choosing profits over people," said Rebeca Lopez, an immigrant advocate.
However, if commissioners had rejected the expansion, they were advised it would be a breach of contract.
"I still don't like to live under the threat hanging over my head with their right to sue us if they're good neighbors," said commissioner Pete Jauer, who voted against the expansion although his precinct includes the detention center.
Even so, their attorney told the court that the Legislature granted them immunity, and now language has been added in the contract that dates back to 1998.
"It's a complete protection for the county from any potential cost associated with GEO's operation of the facility," said Jeffrey Chapman, Karnes County attorney.
Chapman re-negotiated aspects of the contract after commissioners voiced concern during a prior meeting about potential legal liabilities.
Investigations are underway into allegations of some female detainees at the center being sexually abused and subjected to harsh conditions, including inadequate food, health and mental services, and disproportionate disciplinary tactics, according to Celina Moreno, with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Chapman also told the commissioners there is nothing the county could do to prevent or control the release of detainees into the community.
He said those decisions are based on federal policy, pointing out the more than 600 detainees no longer at the center had been deported or bonded out to await their deportation or asylum hearings.
Chapman said the vast majority are now out of state, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A corporate spokesperson for the GEO Group said they are happy with the commissioners' vote.
He said work on the expansion should begin in the next 30 to 60 days.