Waylon Wong

Up until last year, the facility used to have 1,100 beds, but it's been expanded to hold up to 3,000 people so far.

This has brought about 200 new jobs with an hourly rate ranging from around $18 to about $50, with higher rates for physicians and dentists.

This doesn't sound like a lot of money, especially after you compare it to the $96 million contract that GeoGroup has with the feds.

But for this area, that's a lifeline.

He is clearly conflicted and many residents in the community are conflicted too.

Still, Savannah is very much against this detention center.

In fact, she's been advocating for it to shut down.

She's talking about how immigration policy changes with each new president.

So the center might shut down with the new administration.

Sergio, thank you so much for bringing us the story today.

If you learned something from this episode, please send it to a friend who would get something out of it too.

Word of mouth is how we grow.

So spreading the word is supporting our journalism.

Or you can come see us live in person on our book tour in April.

Check the link in the show notes to find out about tickets and dates.

If you're in Chicago, I will see you there.

Meanwhile, Kenny and Sarah and Nick are on the West Coast.

Each stop has storytelling, special guests, and best of all, a chance to meet you.

Click the link in the show notes or go to planetmoneybook.com.

The episodes of The Indicator were produced by Julia Ritchie with engineering by Jimmy Keeley.