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A Republican legislator who fielded questions Thursday about the reopening of a detention center in Appleton said the discussions were respectful, even though people have strong opposing views. 

State Rep. Paul Anderson co-hosted a town hall forum on the Appleton Detention Facility — formerly known as the Prairie Correctional Facility — which will begin housing people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers later this year. 

 the 1,600-bed facility, which will result in a loss of local tax revenue for the area. Anderson says that was one of the most common concerns raised by residents.

"I'm really hoping and encouraging folks negotiating that there should be some kind of a hold harmless for the city of Appleton, especially to negate the negative impact of them losing that big a piece of their tax base, that was a big concern of residents," he said to Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer on Friday.

Appleton city officials have said they expect to

 of the city’s tax base starting in 2028. 

Anderson said he and Republican State Sen. Torrey Westrom, who co-hosted the forum, were asked if there’s anything they can do to help the area. 

“Well, we can't do anything on our own,” he said. “It has to take a governor signing a bill that the Legislature would pass.” 

He added that one possibility is an increase in Local Government Aid for the city. 

CoreCivic Senior Director of Public Affairs Ryan Gustin said the company strives to be a “good partner” with local communities.  

“To that end, we continue to be in dialogue with local officials about opportunities to partner through memoranda of understanding and other means that support the successful operation of the facility in a manner that is mutually beneficial to the community, CoreCivic, and our government partners at ICE/DHS,” Gustin said in a statement.

Gustin also said the facility will create 525 jobs. 

“These positions are expected to include detention and security staff, medical and mental health professionals, case management and programming staff, administrative personnel, maintenance employees, food service workers and transportation staff,” he said. 

He added that the starting salary for a detention officer is $32.50 an hour.

News of the reopening of the facility has sparked weekly protests. Earlier this month, residents told MPR News that while they understand the appeal of the potential economic boost, they found the idea of housing ICE detainees in their town “morally reprehensible.” 

Anderson said he understands that people have strongly held views on the facility, but “they're not going to stop the national trend of detaining people and deporting folks that are not here legally. So you know, let's work together and make this a positive thing economically for Appleton, even if you don't agree with what's happening there.”

Reporter Jon Collins contributed to this story.

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State Rep. Paul Anderson co-hosted a town hall forum on the Appleton Detention Facility — formerly known as the Prairie Correctional Facility — which will begin housing people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers later this year. 


Appleton residents voice concerns about new ICE facility

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