Hudson County, New Jersey, Agrees to Detain Immigrants for ICE Until 2020 for over $60 Million

Yesterday, the Freeholders of Hudson County, New Jersey, approved a resolution that renews a contract with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) to house immigrant detainees at the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny, New Jersey.  The contract was extended for 2 years until December 31, 2020, with an option for County Freeholders to further extend the immigration detention agreement with ICE beyond 2020.  Under the agreement, ICE pays Hudson County $120 per day, per immigrant detainee.  The contract is estimated to generate over $30 million in additional revenue each year.

According to North Jersey Record, County Freeholders initially voted in favor of extending the agreement with ICE on July 12, 2018.  This vote was reconsidered yesterday following concerns related to the lack of public comment before the July resolution was adopted.  Thursday’s meeting was attended by over 100 individuals who voiced both support for and opposition to the resolution.

Several other counties in New Jersey that currently have immigrant detention agreements with ICE are expected to take up similar resolutions in the coming months.  Like Hudson County, the concern for leaders in other New Jersey counties is that the loss of revenue from the agreements will leave a significant gap in funding for correction facilities and other projects.

To learn more or if you have any questions about this post or any other immigration matter, feel free to contact me at rglahoud@norris-law.com.