It was formerly staffed and operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a men's level II (low-medium) security prison.

The federal contract included daily transportation to the San Diego County Courthouse and Southern Nevada Correctional Center, and as-needed to JPATS-Victorville ("Con Air").

[3][4][5] In response to a federal order to reduce overcrowding at the state's prison facilities, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation started leasing the facility in 2013 for $28.5 million yearly.

[3][6] Former guards, previously privately contracted, transferred to become state correctional officers after eight weeks of training.

[7] The state terminated its lease so the prison will be effectively closed by March 2024.