Federal officials to hold hearings in Crete on proposed immigration detention center

CRETE | The federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency will hold a hearing this spring to give local residents a chance to express their views on a proposed detention center that would be used to hold people suspected of violations of immigration law.

The promise by ICE officials to hold such a hearing was made following a meeting with Reps. Jesse Jackson Jr. and Luis Gutierrez, both D-Ill. No date has yet been set. But Jackson, in a prepared statement, said it would be some time after the March 20 primary elections.

The two congressmen from Chicago met with federal immigration officials this week to discuss the proposal, which would be built within Jackson's congressional district as it has been redrawn for the upcoming decade. Gutierrez got involved because he has an interest in various issues related to immigration reform.

Both congressmen said Thursday they remain opposed to construction of the facility, which would be run by a private company, Nashville, Tenn.-based Corrections Corp. of America, and would be used as an alternative to holding people facing federal immigration law violations in local jails with people who face criminal charges.

"I don't want the south suburbs to become famous for building prisons and breaking up families," Jackson said, adding later, "I've successfully opposed prison projects in my district for 17 years and will continue to do so."

Calling Crete a "vibrant and charming small town," Jackson said he thinks the existence of a detention facility nearby, tentatively proposed to be built near the Balmoral Racetrack south of town, would ruin the local ambiance.

Immigration activists oppose such facilities, saying the violations some people face are not criminal acts, and the indefinite incarceration that can result in some cases is wrong.

Gutierrez said he is pleased to see that Jackson is opposing such a development in the district. "He is absolutely right that economic development through detention and deportation is a dead-end street and doomed to fail," Gutierrez said.

The proposed detention facility is being investigated by village officials.

Village President Michael Einhorn in a prepared statement released Thursday said he thinks people on all sides of this issue have handled themselves "in a professional manner" that he hopes will continue into future hearings.

Einhorn said, "We as a board do understand the very unique nature of the proposed project and are committed to seeking public input and to consider all pertinent information prior to voting on any necessary approvals."