ICE halts plans for new Florida detention facility

MIAMI (AP) -- Officials say plans for a 1,500-bed immigration detention facility in South Florida have been halted.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a statement Friday saying that the agency has reevaluated its need for an additional detention center in South Florida, and it will no longer pursue a facility in Southwest Ranches. The statement left open the possibility for another facility in the region.

The announcement comes after nearly a year opposition from local residents and immigrant groups. The project was dealt a blow earlier this year when the city of Pembroke Pines rescinded a water and sewer contract.

The facility was supposed to be built by Corrections Corporation of America, the nation's largest private prison company. Telephone and email messages left for CCA by The Associated Press Friday night weren't immediately returned.

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