A $430-thousand plus renovation plan to use federal grant money to remodel the Washoe County jail to facilitate work by ICE, to create a designated screening desk, holding area and office space is coming under the scrutiny of local protesters.
There are three events related to this today, “to engage around immigrant justice,” according to an email sent yesterday by the Reno Coalition of Opposition.
“Each one matters, but they serve different purposes,” the email indicates.
The protests are the following:
"• INNV Rally (Aug. 19, 10 AM, Federal Building, 400 S. Virginia St.) Public protest against using Homeland Security funds to remodel the Washoe County Jail for ICE.
• BOCC Meeting (Aug. 19, 10 AM, County Commission Chambers, 1001 E. 9th St.) Where the decision is made. Speak directly to commissioners in 2–3 minutes of public comment to oppose the ICE expansion.
• Nevada Immigrant Coalition Gathering A broader community conversation. Learn about immigration challenges in Northern Nevada, the Coalition’s work, and how to take action — from advocacy to volunteering to supporting immigrant-owned businesses.”
The latter group is having an event called “Compassion without Borders” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Craft Wine and Beer.
“Think of it this way: the rally builds pressure, the BOCC meeting shapes policy, and the Coalition gathering builds long-term power,” the email indicates.
A recent email from the Nevada GOP has struck an entirely different tone, with calls for a new high-security immigration detention center within the Silver State to be called the “Coyote Compound.”
“Florida has Alligator Alcatraz — a high-security ICE detention center designed to detain and process illegal immigrants quickly and efficiently. Now, we’re asking: Should Nevada have something similar? We’re calling it the Coyote Compound, and it would send a clear message: Nevada takes border security seriously,” the state Republican Party email indicated.
Our Town Reno reporting, August 19, 2025