Dublin City Council Votes Unanimously to Block ICE Prison Plan

UPDATE: Dublin City Council has taken a decisive stand against the proposed reopening of the former Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin as a detention center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In an urgent public meeting held on December 16, 2025, council members unanimously passed a resolution in response to significant community backlash against the plan.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration explored reopening FCI Dublin amid rising concerns following its closure in 2024 due to shocking reports of systemic sexual abuse and deteriorating conditions. The facility, once a minimum-security women’s prison, became infamous after multiple felony charges were filed against staff members for their involvement in a “rape club,” leading to nine convictions.

During the council meeting, local residents voiced their strong opposition. “Families have been terrorized to the point where people are afraid to leave their homes,” said Liz Schmitt, a long-time Dublin resident. She emphasized that the council’s resolution sends a powerful message against what she termed “brutal and inhumane treatment” of immigrants.

The proposal sparked heated discussions, with Stacy Suh from the Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN) highlighting the “dark irony” of using the site for an ICE facility. “Immigrant women were targeted precisely because they were facing deportation,” she stated, warning that reopening FCI Dublin would exacerbate fears within the community, particularly among families with mixed immigration statuses.

The council meeting was charged, with only one resident, Mike Grant, expressing support for the ICE facility, facing backlash from many attendees. Grant, who owns Guns Unlimited Firearms Training, called for increased immigration enforcement, claiming he had invited federal agents into Dublin.

Following the public outcry, the council debated the wording of the resolution, with some members advocating for language that would protect residents “regardless of their immigration status.” Although this specific language was ultimately removed, Vice Mayor Jean Josey emphasized that the resolution reflects Dublin’s commitment to uphold dignity and justice for all.

While the resolution does not alter federal jurisdiction over the property, council members stressed its symbolic importance. Councilman Michael McCorriston warned that blindly accepting government actions could threaten democracy.

With community fears heightened and local businesses suffering, the Dublin City Council’s resolution marks a significant moment in the ongoing national conversation about immigration enforcement policies. The next steps remain uncertain, but the council’s strong stance indicates a community united against the potential reopening of FCI Dublin as an ICE detention center.

Residents are urged to stay informed as developments unfold and to continue voicing their concerns about the future of their community.