Secretary of Homeland Security Mark Wayne Mullin is currently reviewing detention centers across the United States, which serve tens of thousands of immigrants. So far, immigration authorities have allocated $1.074 billion for 11 facilities, often encountering significant opposition. Just days after Mullin assumed office, the Department of Homeland Security suspended its policy regarding the purchase of new facilities intended for immigrant housing, and all contracts signed during his predecessor Kristi Noem’s tenure are under scrutiny.
Arizona
Local officials in Arizona were caught off guard when ICE acquired a 418,000-square-foot warehouse in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise for $70 million. Chris Mays, the state’s top prosecutor, noted this in a letter to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Based on information released by ICE, the Department of Homeland Security plans to establish a processing facility capable of handling between 1,000 to 1,500 individuals daily, with $313.4 million set aside for renovations. However, Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor mentioned that the current DHS plan scales back to processing just 250 people each week, capping the facility’s occupancy at 542 beds.
Florida
In January, a TV reporter observed private contractors and federal officials touring a 439,945-square-foot industrial warehouse in Orlando. David Venturella, a senior adviser for ICE, described the tour as exploratory. However, local officials noted that they had not received any follow-up communication by April.
Georgia
ICE’s acquisition of a massive warehouse in Social Circle for $128.6 million has raised alarms about capacity, with expectations to house between 7,500 and 10,000 people. Fearing a water shortage, city officials locked the water meters at the facility. The DHS proposed trucking in drinking water and removing waste, a plan deemed unfeasible by Georgia Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. Additionally, another warehouse in Oakwood was bought for $68.2 million, with the city manager expressing concerns after being informed that city inspectors were directed to clear the property for federal ownership.
Indiana
In Merrillville, local concerns were voiced regarding ICE’s oversight of a new 275,000-square-foot warehouse. The owner, Opus Holding LLC, issued a letter conveying that negotiations with federal officials were not flexible due to legal constraints.
Maryland
ICE purchased a warehouse in Washington County for $102.4 million and committed at least $113 million for renovations. However, renovation efforts are currently stalled due to a lawsuit filed by the Maryland attorney general. The establishment of such facilities has created rifts within communities, with county commissioners passing a resolution voicing support for ICE amid contentious discussions.
Michigan
The state and local government filed a lawsuit following DHS’s $34.7 million acquisition of a 250,000-square-foot warehouse in Romulus, located in a floodplain. The city’s sewage system is not equipped to handle an influx of 500 people, prompting legal action against DHS for its failure to engage with state and local officials or consider the availability of empty prison facilities.
Minnesota
In the suburbs of Minneapolis, potential agreements for warehouses in Woodbury and Shakopee have been abandoned by property owners due to public outcry, according to local officials.
Mississippi
Senator Roger Wicker reported that Noem decided to seek alternatives after local officials opposed the construction of a detention center in Byhalia.
Missouri
Under public pressure, Platform Ventures announced its decision to halt plans for the sale of a large warehouse in Kansas City.
New Hampshire
Governor Kelly Ayotte announced in March that DHS would not proceed with plans to build an ICE facility in Merrimack, following an alarming disclosure that federal officials planned to invest $158 million to convert a warehouse into a 500-bed processing center.
New Jersey
After the DHS purchased a 470,044-square-foot warehouse in Roxbury for $129.3 million, local officials filed a lawsuit alleging that they were kept uninformed throughout the process. The complaint states that while state and local officials may not have veto authority over DHS decisions, the lack of communication and consultation contravenes federal law.
New York
ICE admitted to a miscommunication regarding the procurement of a vacant warehouse in Chester, with state representative Brian Marr later confirming that the facility was no longer under consideration.
Oklahoma
In January, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt revealed that the property owner had pulled out of negotiations with DHS regarding a potential acquisition or lease of the warehouse.
Pennsylvania
DHS acquired a warehouse in Tremont Township for $119.5 million and another in Upper Bern Township for $87.4 million. Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration voiced opposition to DHS’s plans, and the state’s Department of Environmental Protection has currently suspended water and sewage services.
Tennessee
DHS incorrectly stated that the purchase of a warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee, had been finalized. Sheriff Robert Bryan cautioned that such a large facility, housing between 14,000 and 16,000 detainees, would place an excessive strain on local law enforcement. Mayor Rick Bell, a conservative Republican, stated his support for secure borders but emphasized that Lebanon was not an appropriate location. Subsequently, Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn confirmed that the deal had been terminated.
Texas
ICE acquired three warehouses in El Paso for $122.8 million, totaling 826,780 square feet, along with a $66.1 million purchase for a 639,595 square foot facility in San Antonio. Both city mayors expressed their opposition. In Socorro, there are concerns about the local water supply, and San Antonio officials revealed they had yet to receive any communication from DHS as of April. Moreover, backlash in the Dallas suburb of Hutchins caused a real estate company to state that it had been approached about leasing a property but ultimately decided against providing it to DHS.
Utah
DHS purchased an 833,280-square-foot warehouse in Salt Lake City for $145.4 million without prior notification to the city’s Democratic leadership or the state’s congressional delegation. Mayor Erin Mendenhall stated that ICE later indicated the facility could accommodate between 7,500 to 10,000 individuals. The city has since implemented usage restrictions on water to limit its availability for operating the detention center.
Virginia
Faced with threats of a boycott, Jim Pattison Developments announced in January that it would not proceed with the sale of a warehouse in suburban Richmond, clarifying that he was unaware of its intended use prior to agreeing to the sale.
