The United States government has purchased three immigration detention facilities in Adelanto, California, from private prison operator GEO Group for $950 million.
The transaction closed on October 2 and was announced on October 5, placing the properties under federal ownership through the Department of Homeland Security. The facilities have a combined capacity of 2,644 beds.
The purchase includes the 1,280-bed Adelanto West ICE Processing Center, the 660-bed Adelanto East ICE Processing Center and the 704-bed Desert View Annex. All three are located in San Bernardino County. Adelanto East and West together form the 1,940-bed Adelanto ICE Processing Center.
GEO expects to continue providing operational services under its existing agreement with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The current contract term ends on December 19, 2029, with a five-year option that could extend it to December 19, 2034. ICE retains the right to terminate the agreement for funding reasons or convenience.
The acquisition forms part of the Trump administration’s wider effort to secure immigration detention infrastructure. It follows the approximately $1.5 billion purchase of two California detention properties from another private operator, CoreCivic, earlier this year. Congress also approved $45 billion for immigration detention in legislation enacted in 2025.
Federal ownership has become a point of contention between Washington and California over detention oversight. Homeland Security has argued that purchasing facilities helps preserve the detention capacity it needs on the West Coast. California has pursued additional protections for detainees, including measures concerning constitutional rights and access to facility records.
The Adelanto complex has also faced scrutiny over conditions inside its facilities. Immigrant rights groups filed a federal class-action lawsuit this year alleging inadequate drinking water, food, sanitation and medical care. A federal judge ordered improvements, placing detainee welfare alongside ownership and operating costs among the issues surrounding the complex.
GEO expects to receive approximately $705 million after taxes and transaction expenses. The company plans to use the proceeds, alongside operating cash flow, to reduce debt, repurchase shares and meet other corporate needs. It has also raised its share repurchase authorization to $1.25 billion, effective through December 2029.
