Kansas Court Blocks Reopening of ICE Detention Center

Leavenworth wins appeal against CoreCivic over special use permit requirement.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Kansas Court of Appeals has upheld a district court ruling that temporarily blocks the reopening of an ICE detention center in Leavenworth, Kansas. The court ruled that private prison operator CoreCivic must apply for a special use permit from the city in order to operate the facility, despite the company's claim that its contract with ICE exempts it from local regulations.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between local governments and federal immigration enforcement, as well as the role of private prison companies in operating detention centers. Leavenworth has argued that CoreCivic must follow local zoning laws, while the company has claimed it should be exempt due to its federal contract.

The details

The Leavenworth city commission is currently considering CoreCivic's application for a special use permit, which would allow the facility to house up to 1,104 detainees. CoreCivic has argued that it should retain grandfathered status and not have to apply for the permit, but the city maintains that the company must follow local regulations. The temporary injunction preserves the status quo while the case continues.

  • The Kansas Court of Appeals ruled on the case on February 27, 2026.

The players

CoreCivic

A private prison company that operates detention centers under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

City of Leavenworth

The local government in Leavenworth, Kansas that has sued CoreCivic over the reopening of an ICE detention center in the city.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must ensure that any detention facility in our city follows our local laws and regulations.”

— Leavenworth City Official

“Our contract with ICE should exempt us from needing a special use permit to operate this facility.”

— CoreCivic Spokesperson

What’s next

The Leavenworth city commission will continue to consider CoreCivic's application for a special use permit to operate the detention center.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local governments and federal immigration enforcement, as well as the role of private prison companies in operating detention centers. It demonstrates the importance of local zoning laws and the ability of cities to have a say in the operations of such facilities within their borders.