HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

California nonprofit charity owns ICE detention center facility

May 13, 2026·Location: Brawley, CA

California nonprofit charity owns ICE detention center facility
Photo via KPBS

A KPBS investigation revealed that the Brawley Community Foundation, a registered nonprofit, owns the Imperial Regional Detention Facility, an ICE immigrant jail in California. The foundation has secured at least $6 million in property tax breaks since 2016 using its nonprofit status, benefits typically reserved for charities and hospitals. The foundation owns the detention center through a subsidiary company and has been involved in its operations for over a decade.

Suggest a correction, comment, or update

Sources

More incidents in California