Fulton County Approves $1.3B Jail Overhaul Amid Concerns Over Inmate Transfers

Commissioner Mo Ivory warns against sending detainees to ICE or private facilities outside the county.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A photorealistic painting of a single barred window on an old brick jail building, the sunlight casting long shadows across the worn facade, conveying a sense of quiet melancholy and the need for criminal justice reform.The proposed $1.3 billion overhaul of Fulton County's aging jail system aims to improve conditions, but has raised concerns over potential inmate transfers.Atlanta Today

Fulton County leaders have approved a $1.3 billion plan to overhaul the troubled Fulton County Jail, including building a new facility for vulnerable populations and renovating the existing Rice Street jail. However, Commissioner Mo Ivory has raised concerns about potential plans to transfer inmates out of the county, arguing that would not solve overcrowding issues.

Why it matters

The jail overhaul is a major investment, but Ivory's warnings about inmate transfers highlight ongoing tensions over how to address overcrowding and improve conditions in the troubled facility. The debate could become a key issue in the race for Fulton County Commission Chair.

The details

The approved plan includes building a new "special purpose facility" to house detainees with mental and physical health needs, along with renovations to the existing Rice Street jail. County leaders say the investment is about improving safety and dignity. However, Ivory raised concerns about discussions to potentially send inmates to ICE detention centers or private prisons outside Fulton County, arguing that would separate detainees from their families and legal support. Fulton County later clarified they are not actively pursuing private jail options, and are instead exploring using the Atlanta City Detention Center or partnering with other metro Atlanta counties.

  • The Fulton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the $1.3 billion jail overhaul plan on April 15, 2026.
  • Construction on the new facility is expected to begin in 2028, with a projected opening in 2031.
  • Renovations to the current jail could stretch through 2035.

The players

Robb Pitts

Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman.

Mo Ivory

Fulton County Commissioner who is also running for Commission Chair.

Fulton County

The local government overseeing the jail overhaul plan.

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What they’re saying

“The approved plan balances the need to offer safe, humane and dignified conditions for detainees with fiscal responsibility for all taxpayers.”

— Robb Pitts, Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman

“This is not the first time I am hearing from the public before I am hearing from leadership. And what I am hearing is deeply concerning.”

— Mo Ivory, Fulton County Commissioner

“Moving people out of Fulton County is not the same as reducing the jail population through reform.”

— Mo Ivory, Fulton County Commissioner

“Building a new facility... and trying to pretend it's something other than a new jail building, is disingenuous.”

— Mo Ivory, Fulton County Commissioner

What’s next

The question of where inmates are housed and how the county addresses overcrowding is likely to remain a key issue in the race for Fulton County's next Commission Chair.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of jail reform and the need to balance investments in new facilities with addressing the root causes of incarceration through community-based services and diversion programs.