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.
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.