Leavenworth City Commission to Vote on CoreCivic ICE Detention Facility Permit

The vote comes after the planning commission recommended approval with conditions, sparking debate over economic benefits and past concerns.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Leavenworth City Commission is set to take a final vote on whether to grant CoreCivic a special use permit to reopen a former federal prison as an ICE detention facility. The planning commission previously recommended approval in a 5-1 vote, but added several conditions including shortening the permit from five years to three and requiring CoreCivic to pay $150,000 a year to help cover local law enforcement costs.

Why it matters

The decision has sparked debate in the community, with supporters arguing the project could bring economic relief and 300 jobs, while opponents point to past safety and management issues with CoreCivic's operations and argue the company should not be allowed to operate again.

The details

The Leavenworth City Commission will hold a vote on the CoreCivic permit on Tuesday night. The planning commission had recommended approval in February, but added several conditions, including shortening the permit length and requiring CoreCivic to pay for local law enforcement costs.

  • The Leavenworth City Commission meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • The planning commission recommended approval of the permit in a 5-1 vote in February 2026.

The players

Leavenworth City Commission

The governing body of the city of Leavenworth, Kansas that will be voting on the CoreCivic permit.

CoreCivic

A private prison company that is seeking a permit to reopen a former federal prison in Leavenworth as an ICE detention facility.

Jeff Fagan

A Leavenworth resident who supports the project, arguing it could bring economic relief and more funding for city services.

Rebecca Hollister

The Mayor Pro Tem of the Leavenworth City Commission, who says the commission is carefully weighing the decision.

Samantha Nichols

The pastor of First Lutheran Church in Leavenworth, who opposes allowing CoreCivic to operate again due to the company's past issues.

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What they’re saying

“We clearly in this town, need to have more money available for our services.”

— Jeff Fagan, Leavenworth Resident (kshb.com)

“I have to keep my eye on what's going to be best for the Leavenworth community, and I have to do my due diligence as a city commissioner.”

— Rebecca Hollister, Mayor Pro Tem, Leavenworth City Commission (kshb.com)

“We know a lot about how it operates based on that history, and that history is horrible.”

— Samantha Nichols, Pastor, First Lutheran Church (kshb.com)

What’s next

The Leavenworth City Commission will hold a final vote on the CoreCivic permit on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The takeaway

The decision on the CoreCivic permit has divided the Leavenworth community, with supporters touting the economic benefits while opponents raise concerns over the company's past issues. The city commission must weigh these competing interests as they make their final determination.