Federal immigration officials reportedly visited the controversial Franklin County state prison site this week to explore the possibility of establishing a detention facility, prompting frustration from local officials who say they were not informed.
Sheriff Johnny Crocker told the Advocate Thursday that Chief Deputy Jon Little encountered three Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from the New Orleans office Monday at the entrance of the 815-acre property. Joe Profiri, a former Arkansas Department of Corrections secretary and special adviser to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, arrived shortly after, and the agents entered the site.
Crocker said the agents described themselves as “super friendly” and indicated they were considering a migrant detention facility. When Little suggested the project could take years, one agent reportedly replied that a temporary facility could be set up quickly.
Local officials said they were unaware the property was being considered for federal use. Crocker criticized state leaders for a lack of transparency, calling the secrecy “cowardly” and dishonest.
The site, purchased by the state for $2.9 million in October 2024, has drawn scrutiny from the community for its lack of water and local utilities. Critics question the practicality of placing either a prison or a detention center on the property.
The state Legislature previously appropriated $75 million for prison capital improvements but did not approve funding for the proposed mega-prison. The Board of Corrections has also contracted Vanir Construction Management for $16.5 million over four years and approved a $57 million design contract for the facility, pending final legislative approval.
Sam Dubke, a spokesperson for Gov. Sanders, did not confirm or deny the visit but said the administration is in “ongoing conversations with the Trump Administration and federal immigration officials on how to best support the President’s work to secure the border.”
The Department of Corrections said it was not involved in discussions, which it described as falling under federal jurisdiction.
Adam Watson, director of the local news site Gravel and Grit, said the visit reflects a pattern of state officials making decisions without consulting local communities or state agencies. Concerns persist about the site’s suitability for either a federal or state facility due to limited water, utilities, and infrastructure.
Franklin County radio station KDYN first reported the visit Thursday morning. Community reaction on social media has been largely critical, with residents questioning whether federal involvement is intended to offset costs for the proposed 3,000-bed prison.
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman’s office said it had not been contacted regarding an ICE facility in Franklin County. ICE representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
For the original story from the Arkansas Advocate, click here.
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