Stewart Detention Center is located in one of the poorest counties in the country. Today we look at Stewart through the lens of a new report on rural facilities, a documentary, and a new OIG report.
This is really important. I'm from rural Georgia and both of my parents have worked in prisons-- the carceral state is such a tragic business and honestly hurts everyone involved.
I was quoted accurately in the article, which is good.
On the other hand, the notion that Stewart Detention Center is purposefully in a remote area as an immigration maanagement strategy is not correct.
I can't speak for other detention facilities. However, the building in which SDC is housed was built by the private company as a speculative venture for a state prison contract that never materialized.
In fact, I am in a uniquely close position to make that statement. I worked at a museum adjacent to the current property, separated only by a creek from my area. I was there when the company acquired the property and when they started construction. They had the very first fiber optics in the county, and it was strung along the right-of-way outside my office.
Quite frankly, the "immigration facilities in remote areas" narrative has been around for decades. It fits a narrative whether or not it's true. In this case, it's not.
Mac, first of all, I’m honored that you read and commented. I just watch the documentary and I found your entire comments very nuanced, helpful, and insightful. I am eager to hear more about the ways that the “detention centers in rural areas” narrative might miss the mark in some ways. As someone who grew up in a very rural, struggling area myself, Lumpkin felt familiar to me in a way. I could listen to you talk more so anything you want to share, please do.
This is really important. I'm from rural Georgia and both of my parents have worked in prisons-- the carceral state is such a tragic business and honestly hurts everyone involved.
I was quoted accurately in the article, which is good.
On the other hand, the notion that Stewart Detention Center is purposefully in a remote area as an immigration maanagement strategy is not correct.
I can't speak for other detention facilities. However, the building in which SDC is housed was built by the private company as a speculative venture for a state prison contract that never materialized.
In fact, I am in a uniquely close position to make that statement. I worked at a museum adjacent to the current property, separated only by a creek from my area. I was there when the company acquired the property and when they started construction. They had the very first fiber optics in the county, and it was strung along the right-of-way outside my office.
Quite frankly, the "immigration facilities in remote areas" narrative has been around for decades. It fits a narrative whether or not it's true. In this case, it's not.
Sorry, one other question. How did you find out about this post? I’m so curious how these travel.
Mac, first of all, I’m honored that you read and commented. I just watch the documentary and I found your entire comments very nuanced, helpful, and insightful. I am eager to hear more about the ways that the “detention centers in rural areas” narrative might miss the mark in some ways. As someone who grew up in a very rural, struggling area myself, Lumpkin felt familiar to me in a way. I could listen to you talk more so anything you want to share, please do.