A potential agreement between Mind Springs Health and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sparked concern in Grand Junction, Colorado. Reports indicate that the mental health facility is in talks to provide treatment for detainees, a move that has drawn criticism from local advocates worried about its impact on existing patients.
Residents Speak Out on Possible Agreement
Mind Springs Interim CEO Nicholas Torres confirmed that no formal agreement has been reached yet. However, discussions about housing ICE detainees at the mental health facility have already ignited debate. Local advocate Kelley Turner voiced concerns about whether the deal would come at the expense of individuals already receiving care at the facility.
“It’s not fair for our people, our mentally ill people, to be shoved out of a mental hospital that is for them,” Turner said, emphasizing the need to prioritize the community’s mental health needs.
Financial Incentives and Capacity Issues
According to a report from Aspen Public Radio, Dr. Torres estimated that the deal could generate between $100,000 and $300,000 per month for Mind Springs. The facility, which has 48 beds, currently has 35 occupied. If the agreement moves forward, Mind Springs could house up to a dozen ICE detainees at any given time.
This raises concerns about whether the influx of new patients could strain existing resources. Turner worries that financial incentives could lead to neglect of those already receiving treatment at the facility.
Advocates Call for Alternative Solutions
Turner believes that if ICE detainees require mental health treatment, they should be housed in a facility that can accommodate both their needs and those of the broader community. She pointed out that there are unused buildings in Grand Junction that could be repurposed instead.
“There are many buildings that are owned that are empty here in Grand Junction,” she said. “I don’t understand why they can’t find someone here, in town, that owns one of these old buildings that’s not being utilized. Instead of taking away from the community.”
Questions About Oversight and Advocacy
Another major concern is oversight. Turner questions whether detainees would receive proper treatment and whether there would be independent advocates ensuring their well-being.
“Who’s going to advocate for them to make sure that they’re getting the right treatment and the right help?” she asked. “Regardless of whether they’re your family or not, everybody needs to have an advocate.”
Mind Springs has clarified that its role in the potential agreement would be strictly limited to providing mental health services. The facility would not be involved in any legal proceedings concerning ICE detainees. However, skepticism remains about whether detainees would receive the same level of care as other patients.
Mind Springs Silent on Public Concerns
KJCT reached out to Mind Springs multiple times for comment but received no response. The lack of engagement has only fueled further questions about the transparency of the potential agreement and its implications for both detainees and the Grand Junction community.
