# Texas Jail Layoffs: 900 to Lose Jobs as State Takes Over Private Facilities
Updated: June 27, 2025
By Zachary-Taylor Wright
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is taking over operations of seven state jails currently managed by private contractor Management and Training Corporation (MTC), resulting in roughly 900 job cuts by the end of August.
The layoffs were disclosed in a filing with the Texas Workforce Commission. Impacted facilities include:
- Bradshaw State Jail – 172 employees
- Willacy County State Jail – 166 employees
- Lindsey State Jail – 117 employees
- Kyle Correctional Center – 98 employees
- Gregory S. Coleman Unit – 135 employees
- Bridgeport Correctional Facility – 103 employees
- Billy Moore Correctional Center – 109 employees
While layoffs are expected, TDCJ is encouraging affected workers to apply for public sector jobs within the agency. Recruiters are reportedly on site at each jail, actively collecting applications. However, former MTC employees must undergo new background checks and evaluations to ensure no recent disqualifying issues exist.
TDCJ notes that the transition is similar to recent takeovers of the Bell, Diboll, and Estes Units, which saw staffing increases under state management.
The state is attempting to curb costs and reduce reliance on private contracts. According to TDCJ’s 2025-26 budget, maintaining existing contracts would have required an additional $65.8 million over the next two years due to annual 2%-3% cost increases. These contracts currently cover about 1,900 beds and 1,000 treatment slots.
The restructuring reflects a broader trend of shifting prison management away from private firms and toward direct state oversight.