Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over issues related
Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over issues related to his immigration status.
His lawyers say they are taking steps to regularize his status and secure his release.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is currently being held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia, a centre managed by ICE.
The facility, formerly the Peumansend Creek Regional Jail, was converted into an immigration detention centre following its closure in 2017.
Located about four miles north of Fort A.P. Hill along Route 301, the centre sits on roughly 150 acres and can accommodate up to 336 undocumented adult immigrants.
It operates under a five-year agreement between Caroline County and the US Department of Homeland Security to house and care for administrative detainees.
The facility consists of seven buildings, including an administrative block and six residential units. One unit is designated for female detainees, while the other five house male detainees.
Each unit has a common area, though amenities differ—some have televisions and recreational facilities, while others have televisions in individual cells.
Detainees are assigned to units based on a classification system considering immigration and criminal history.
Those deemed higher risk or with criminal records are held under stricter custody conditions.
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