Land annexation authorized

DWIGHT – More than 80 acres of land will be annexed in Dwight for a federal detention center.

The Dwight Village Board voted 5-2 Monday for the annexation. A $20 million detention center has been proposed by the Immigration Centers of America to be located east of Interstate 55 and south of Illinois Route 17. Village officials say the facility would include well over 300 positions, a new sewer line and anywhere from 250 to 400 construction workers.

The center with 1,200 beds would house individuals waiting on immigration hearings. The non-criminal residents would reportedly be able to use workout facilities and worship areas.

Several opponents attended the meeting, including members of the Detention Watch Network of Chicago. Opponents met at a local train station before marching to the high school where the meeting was held.