Heat Star Haslem Calls Foul on ICE Detention Center

Miami Heat star voices opposition to massive proposed detention center in Southwest Ranches

Miami Heat star Udonis Haslem is calling foul on a proposed plan to put one of the nation's largest immigration detention facilities in his neighborhood.

"I am extremely upset that you are under talks with CCA Corporation and the Department of Homeland Security," writes Haslem, in a letter to the Town Council of Southwest Ranches. “I do not support this in anyway and hope that this project does not happen.”

Haslem's letter was sent last week to Residents Against ICE Southwest Ranches Detention Center, and hand delivered by his aunt to the town council.

A Miami native, Haslem has lived in Southwest Ranches with his family since 2007.

The 1,800-bed detention center will be built and run by Corrections Corporation of America, the largest private prison company in the nation. CCA signed a contract with Southwest Ranches in 2005 to bring a private prison to the area, which borders the Everglades.

The town will get a percentage of the money CCA receives from the Department of Homeland Security for every bed filled.

Haslem isn't alone in his fight against the detention center. Several Broward residents have voiced their concerns over the facility, which could be built in the next couple years.

Contact Us