Bill to block immigrant detention center fails

SPRINGFIELD — Legislation that would have blocked plans to build a South suburban detention center for immigrants facing deportation has failed in the Illinois House.

House members voted Thursday against a bill that would have prohibited any privately-run detention centers in Illinois. The Senate had approved it earlier this year.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement wants to build a privately-run holding facility in Crete. The center would house nearly 800 people.

Other similar detention centers have been built or are in the process nationwide.

The plan in Crete has faced vocal opposition from residents of the Crete area and immigrant rights activists.

However, proponents call the detention center a job creator and ICE officials say it’ll be a more humane way of housing people.