Kansas City, Missouri, January 14, 2026

Recent plans by the Department of Homeland Security to establish an ICE detention center in Kansas City, Missouri, have raised concerns among local leaders. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver condemned the proposal in a letter to federal officials, emphasizing the potential negative impact on the community. The debate highlights the need for transparency and local engagement as the city navigates federal policies regarding immigration enforcement.

Kansas City, MO

Kansas City Leaders Question Federal Detention Center Plans

A recent proposal by the Department of Homeland Security to establish a large-scale immigration detention center in Kansas City, Missouri, has prompted significant local concern and a strong response from area leadership. This development underscores the ongoing dialogue between federal initiatives and the fundamental role of local communities in shaping their own future.

The situation highlights the importance of transparent governance and the active involvement of local representatives in scrutinizing plans that could profoundly impact the fabric of our neighborhoods. As Kansas City continues to grow and evolve, ensuring that civic innovation and community well-being remain at the forefront of all development is essential for fostering a vibrant and cohesive environment.

Congressman Cleaver Addresses Potential ICE Detention Center

U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II, serving Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, recently penned a strongly worded letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Tom Lyons. The letter expressed his condemnation of a reported DHS plan to establish an ICE detention center in Kansas City, Missouri.

This federal proposal is part of a broader nationwide initiative by the DHS to establish several large-scale detention centers across the country, with the aim of housing approximately 80,000 immigrants. According to reports, Kansas City is identified as one of seven potential sites, with each facility designed to accommodate between 5,000 and 10,000 individuals. Other proposed locations for these facilities include Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, and Georgia.

Concerns Over Community Impact and Fiscal Responsibility

Representative Cleaver voiced significant concerns regarding the potential implications of such a facility for Kansas City residents and the broader region. He argued that centralizing “extreme mass deportation policies” in Kansas City would degrade society, divide communities, and place undue stress on local institutions.

A key point of contention raised by the Congressman involves a $29.9 million no-bid contract awarded by DHS for the design of a large ICE detention center in Kansas City. Cleaver questioned the transparency of this bidding process and emphasized the need for greater coordination with local governments. He suggested that the substantial financial resources allocated for these detention centers might be more effectively utilized for targeting criminals rather than impacting families or individuals with no criminal history. In his letter, Representative Cleaver requested detailed answers regarding the project’s specifics, including the bidding process and local government engagement, by January 23.

Tribal Nation’s Stance on the Detention Center Contract

Further complicating the narrative is the revelation that KPB Services, an entity affiliated with Prairie Band LLC and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, was the recipient of the $29.9 million contract for designing the detention facilities. Upon the contract becoming public, the Tribal Council of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation took decisive action. They swiftly moved to fire members of Prairie Band LLC’s leadership and are now actively working to disassociate the Nation from the contract.

Chairman Joseph Rupnick of the Tribal Council issued a poignant statement, drawing a parallel between these modern detention centers and historical Native American reservations. He remarked, “We know our Indian reservations were the government’s first attempts at detention centers,” underscoring a deep historical resonance and a commitment to ethical considerations in community development. This swift response from the tribal leadership exemplifies a proactive stance on responsible civic engagement and a strong assertion of community values.

Broader Context of Immigration Policy

The proposed expansion of ICE detention capabilities is situated within a broader national context of enhanced immigration enforcement, characterized by the Trump administration’s efforts to increase deportations and secure additional detention space nationwide. Federal officials have cited the need for expanded facilities to accommodate a rising number of detainees facing deportation proceedings. This national imperative often creates complex challenges at the local level, requiring communities to grapple with the direct impacts of federal policy decisions.

Learning from Leavenworth: Local Autonomy in Action

The discussion in Kansas City also draws parallels with a notable situation in nearby Leavenworth, Kansas. In June 2025, a judge issued a ruling that blocked CoreCivic, a private prison operator, from housing ICE detainees in a previously shuttered facility in the Kansas City area without obtaining a proper permit from city officials.

The city of Leavenworth had initiated a lawsuit against CoreCivic, asserting that the company needed to comply with local zoning laws and secure a permit before reopening the detention center. While city officials clarified that their legal action was based on adherence to permitting processes rather than the broader immigration policy, the local community had expressed significant opposition. This opposition stemmed partly from the facility’s past record of violence and general concerns about the impact of such a large-scale operation on the community. The Leavenworth case serves as a powerful illustration of local leadership exercising its right to ensure that projects impacting its citizens comply with established community standards and regulatory frameworks, even in the face of federal pressures.

Conclusion

The potential establishment of an ICE detention center in Kansas City, Missouri, and the strong objections raised by Representative Emanuel Cleaver, along with the principled response from the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, highlight the critical role of local insights and leadership in navigating complex federal policies. These events underscore that community growth is not merely about expansion, but about deliberate choices that align with the values and well-being of its residents.

The emphasis on transparency, accountability, and adherence to local regulations—as seen in both Kansas City and the Leavenworth situation—demonstrates the power of civic engagement and local decision-making as essential components of a thriving democracy. Kansas City residents are encouraged to stay informed and actively participate in civic discussions to ensure that local voices continue to shape the future of their community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue discussed in Representative Cleaver’s letter?

The main issue discussed in Representative Cleaver’s letter is his condemnation of a possible Department of Homeland Security plan to bring an ICE detention center to Kansas City, Missouri.

Which federal agencies are involved in the reported plan for detention centers?

The federal agencies involved in the reported plan for detention centers are the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

What is the estimated capacity of the proposed detention centers Nationwide?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to establish several detention centers across the country to hold approximately 80,000 immigrants Nationwide.

What is the approximate capacity for the proposed Kansas City, Missouri, detention center?

The proposed Kansas City, Missouri, detention center, as part of seven large-scale centers, could potentially house between 5,000 and 10,000 people.

What was Representative Cleaver’s primary criticism of the proposed detention center plan?

Representative Cleaver’s primary criticism was that the proposed plan would “degrade our society, divide our communities, waste taxpayer dollars, and stress the civility of our institutions to the point of fracture.”

What was the value of the controversial contract mentioned in relation to the detention center?

The value of the controversial contract mentioned in relation to the detention center was $29.9 million.

Which entity initially received the $29.9 million contract for designing detention facilities?

KPB Services, an entity affiliated with Prairie Band LLC and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, initially received the $29.9 million contract for designing detention facilities.

How did the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation respond to the contract?

The Tribal Council of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation fired members of Prairie Band LLC’s leadership and is attempting to separate itself from the contract.

What was the outcome of the situation involving a private prison operator in Leavenworth, Kansas?

A judge blocked a private prison operator (CoreCivic) from housing ICE detainees in a shuttered Kansas City area detention center (Leavenworth, Kansas) unless it gets a permit from city officials.

Key Features of the Proposed ICE Detention Center Controversy

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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER

The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.