Oldham County Jail Faces Criticism for ICE Detention Practices and Funding

Concerns over the operations of the Oldham County Detention Center took center stage during the Fiscal Court meeting on April 15, 2025. A heated discussion emerged regarding the facility's involvement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the implications of its financial model.

Critics voiced strong opposition to the county's partnership with ICE, arguing that it creates a troubling incentive to fill the detention center, which opened in 2018 at a cost of $23 million and has a capacity of 500 beds. Currently, the facility has struggled to maintain occupancy, leading to concerns that financial motivations are overshadowing ethical considerations. The county receives $73 per day for federal prisoners compared to $40 for local inmates, raising questions about the prioritization of profit over community welfare.

The meeting highlighted the county's recent decision to invest an additional $238,000 in transportation resources to facilitate the transfer of immigration detainees across the Midwest. Critics questioned the rationale behind using local law enforcement resources for what they termed an "ICE taxi service," arguing that these funds and efforts should instead focus on serving the citizens of Oldham County.

Concerns were also raised about the legal implications of the county's agreements with ICE, particularly regarding the potential violation of constitutional rights. A federal court ruling in 2016 deemed certain practices under the 287(g) agreements unconstitutional, prompting questions about the county's due diligence before entering into such partnerships.

As the Oldham County Detention Center continues to operate under these contentious agreements, community members are calling for a reevaluation of the county's priorities and a commitment to uphold the rights of all individuals. The implications of these discussions are significant, as they may shape the future of local law enforcement and community relations in Oldham County.