Trump administration shuts down Florida child migrant detention facility
MIAMI - The Trump administration is shutting down one of the largest U.S. facilities for child migrants that had come under intense criticism from advocates and lawmakers.
The Homestead, Florida, facility emptied out in August but had remained operational in case there was no room at shelters for teen migrants that had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Monday that it has now reduced bed capacity from 1,200 to zero. About 2,000 workers were being let go.
Democratic candidates visited the Miami-area facility during campaign stops, attacking the administration for holding children in a cramped detention center run by a company tied to former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly.
Comprehensive Health Services Inc. was awarded a no-bid contract for $341 million earlier this year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.