A Dallas company wants to build a privately owned and operated 400-bed detention center in this southern Arizona community of San Luis that would be used to temporarily hold illegal immigrants, court witnesses and refugees.

The detainees would include people who have been caught in the Yuma area and who are awaiting transfer out of the county to federal courts or other federal or state detention facilities.

The city of San Luis is still negotiating with Dallas-based Corplan Corrections Inc. over the proposed $25 million facility. City Attorney Glenn Gimbut said the goal is to have a contract within the next two months.

Richard Reyes, executive director of Innovative Government Strategies, Corplan’s consultant on the project, said he’s had preliminary talks with federal law enforcement officials aimed at getting their commitment to use the detention center.

Officials said they would consider using it, although they haven’t agreed to do so.

“We have used contracted facilities at various locations in the past and would keep our options open in the future,” said Russell Ahr, spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “Given that the new facility in (San Luis) is at least a year and a half from opening, it’s too early to say right now what our needs will be at that time.

Mr. Gimbut said the proposed facility would create at least 150 jobs, each paying about $25,000 a year.

“What is important to my City Council and the economic development committee is the jobs,” he said. “We’re a community of more than 50 per cent unemployment.” —

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