CoreCivic is one of the largest government contractors for immigrant detention and recently sold two California detention facilities to DHS for $1.5 billion. About two dozen opponents of plans to reopen the privately owned prison in Appleton for immigrant detention demonstrated near the facility July 23, 2026. In late July, about two dozen residents protested efforts to reopen the prison for immigrant detention, citing concerns over how detainees are treated. Hopes for economic impactThe Appleton prison first appeared as a candidate for immigrant detention a year ago, and it wasn't long before contractors were working at the shuttered prison. Micronesians have legal status, but opponents of using the prison for immigrant detention worry it could upset students and their families.