New Detention Center Opens in Folkston, Georgia to Detain Immigrants
Immigration authorities (ICE-ERO) have announced that a new Detention Center is opening in Folkston, Georgia. This is a small town that is just over the border with Florida. The nearest airport is Jacksonville, Florida. This new facility is near the D. Ray James Federal Correctional Center, which is also located in Folkston, Georgia. But although they are physically close, they do not combine or are part of the same complex. They are two facilities that are separate. This is a GEO installation. It will have 700 beds for men only. There will be no children or women. Initially, the facility will conduct minimal (non-criminal) security cases, but it is also designed and prepared to detain people with criminal records. Immigration authorities (ICE-ERO) will have offices on site. You will also see an ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations) detention supervisor officer and other officers. Preliminarily, it looks like they are going to receive newcomers who need to do the Credible Fear Interview. These people will be brought from other places like the Texas border. If so, these will be handled by the Arlington, Virginia Asylum Office by phone or video. The Orlando Immigration Court will handle immigration court cases. An Orlando judge will hold hearings via video. Attorneys will be allowed to appear in person or by conference call.
