The townspeople of Craigsville, after initially objecting to the Augusta Correctional Center, embraced for decades the subsequent jail.
In the wake of former governor Glenn Youngkin‘s decision to shut down the ACC, local politicians held a Craigsville public hearing to offer solace and to let the good people know that, dadbummit, we feel your pain, but what’s done is done.
Fast forward to now, when state and local officials are in harmony saying “heck no” to a re-opening of the detention center for the purpose of detention.
ICYMI
- Augusta County, 73 percent Trump in 2024, on proposed ICE facility: NIMBY
- Youngkin tried to rush sale of Augusta Correctional Center on his final day in office
- Trumpers looking at former Augusta Correctional Center as possible ICE detention site
What we are not hearing is what the plan is; and how it may benefit the town, the county, and state. Nor are we hearing the opinions of the mayor, the Town Council and the residents.
Could there be reasonable considerations being ignored because of the emotions of the moment?
I think there are, and offer them here:
One concern is the mere association with the widely detested ICE operation terrorizing so many. But ICE’s involvement should be the same as it was when federal prisoners were placed at the Middle River Regional Jail.
The county had contracted to house federal prisoners, for financial benefit, in available jail space. Back then, prisoners were dropped off, later picked up, and checks regularly received. That was it then, and should be the full extent of ICE activity in this proposed paid for detention: drop off, pick up, pay the man.
Nobody complained about those prisoners if they didn’t escape and the checks cashed. It is the same here. Except ICE arrestees may largely be for immigration infractions, not violent crimes, as were those past federal placements.
For my friends who are simply opposed to all things ICE, think about those being jailed and where they could be alternately housed. Central American gulags and for-profit squalor make an Augusta County facility a sanctuary in comparison.
But this only after beneficial and humane terms have been negotiated by representatives of the Town of Craigsville, the County of Augusta, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
I would suggest any physical, operational deficiencies in the ACC that were considered in closing it be upgraded.
The road from Augusta Springs to the facility, where widening stopped, be finished.
Our MRRJ ownership should be contracted to staff and operate the prison. Monthly facility rental checks will be deposited with the town for its civic use.
This is a grand opportunity to uplift the Town of Craigsville after the hard hit, still being absorbed, when losing the ACC.
Let’s not let perfection be the enemy of this good.
Support AFP
Share
