The Trump administration is reportedly considering a controversial plan to transfer immigrants facing deportation to the now-closed Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Dublin, California, a facility notorious for its history of sexual abuse, colloquially referred to as the “rape club.” This revelation emerged from an email sent by officials from the American Federation of Government Employees Council of Prison Locals No. 33, which represents federal prison workers.
Located approximately 20 miles east of Oakland, FCI Dublin was shuttered in 2024 following serious allegations that multiple correctional officers and the former warden were charged with sexually abusing female inmates. The facility currently shows no inmates listed on the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, leaving its future uncertain.
On Thursday, union leaders expressed their concerns in a four-page information request sent to the Bureau of Prisons, highlighting a recent assessment conducted on the facility. They indicated that this assessment was shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), suggesting a potential takeover by the agency.
The email from the union pointed out, “FCI Dublin had at least one assessment completed on July 22, 2024, which we believe was considered a ‘structural assessment.’” This has raised alarms among prison workers about the possibility of ICE using the facility to detain immigrants, which would represent a significant shift in its intended purpose.
The union’s concerns are compounded by the recent confirmation from the Bureau of Prisons that it is currently housing migrant detainees in several facilities. This has sparked fears among union officials that the Bureau may be preparing for a broader initiative to house immigrants on a larger scale, potentially straining resources and diverting focus from its primary mission of managing convicted criminals.
John Kostelnik, the Western region vice president for the correctional workers union, voiced his apprehensions, stating, “My fear is that the bureau is just going to become a branch of ICE — but that’s not what we do.” He emphasized that the Bureau’s primary responsibility has always been to ensure community safety, particularly in managing serious offenders like murderers and rapists.
As the Trump administration ramps up its immigration enforcement efforts, the implications of such a plan could be far-reaching. The administration has pledged to increase deportations significantly, with ICE indicating that its recent enforcement operations have generated enough arrests to necessitate greater detention capacity. However, the specifics regarding the legal status of detainees or details on where they will be housed remain unclear.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that many of the facilities previously used for immigrant detainees have been criticized for their handling of individuals with diverse medical needs and cultural backgrounds. Staff members have reported challenges in communication and care, raising concerns about the adequacy of resources and training to manage such a diverse population effectively.
As federal prison officials prepare for the potential influx of detainees, the prospect of utilizing FCI Dublin, a facility with a deeply troubling past, has sparked outrage and concern among workers and advocates alike. The union continues to seek clarity on the future of the facility and the broader implications of housing immigrants in federal prisons, emphasizing the need for a focus on safety and appropriate care for all individuals in custody.