# Senator Hassan Investigates Appleton Detention Purchase

Senator Maggie Hassan has opened a congressional investigation into DHS’s 2025 purchase of the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton, Minnesota, from CoreCivic for $495 million. Minnesota had previously been offered the facility for $75 million. Hassan requested preservation of records; the inquiry raises scrutiny of the acquisition’s valuation, documentation, and any related operating contract. The signal identifies no new solicitation or procurement deadline.

- DHS procurement teams and private detention operators may face increased scrutiny of facility valuations, acquisition records, and supporting documentation.
- The reported price difference makes the acquisition rationale and the distinction between the facility purchase and its operating contract relevant to oversight and contract-file review.
- Companies pursuing detention-related work should maintain clear, supportable records for pricing, facility transactions, and operational arrangements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Published:** November 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

### Vendors
- CoreCivic (Seller of the Prairie Correctional Facility and contractor to operate it)

### Key Quotes
> The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is investigating whether federal spending by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was subject to improper influence, corruption, or other violations of federal law.
> — Maggie Hassan, U.S. Senator

### Sources
- [Amid Corruption Allegations, Senator Hassan Opens Investigation Into Purchase of ICE Detention Facility For $420 Million Above Previous Asking Price](https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/amid-corruption-allegations-senator-hassan-opens-investigation-into-purchase-of-ice-detention-facility-for-420-million-above-previous-asking-price) - Hassan Senate