Activists Push for Dismantling City Over Detention Center Controversy
In a surprising move, community activists frustrated by the City Council’s inaction regarding the establishment of immigrant detention centers are proposing a drastic solution: the dismantling of the city government and transferring its powers to Maricopa County. This bold initiative seeks to compel local leaders to take a stand against the federal government’s plans.
Jeremy Helfgott, a lobbyist and advocate for progressive causes who spearheaded the petition, voiced his concerns. He stated that if the city’s elected officials cannot engage with residents on important safety and security issues, perhaps the city should not operate independently. This sentiment is resonating with many residents who feel neglected by their leaders.
If the city is dissolved, control would shift to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Activists believe this change would lead to more accountability and responsiveness to local demands for opposition against federal detention plans. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced its acquisition of a 418,400-square-foot warehouse in a northwest Phoenix suburb. Federal officials later confirmed that this facility is intended to be renovated to accommodate as many as 1,500 immigrants.
A shift in leadership at federal agencies has introduced new policies, including temporary work stoppages that were later rescinded. As a result, facility capacity has been curtailed to host only 542 individuals. Gardaworld Federal, the private security firm engaged to oversee operations, has begun recruiting for multiple full-time positions.
Despite city leaders’ reluctance to intervene, state authorities have been more proactive. Arizona Attorney General Chris Mays filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, citing federal law that prohibits repurposing the warehouse into a detention center due to its proximity to a hazardous chemical storage facility.
During a recent Surprise City Council meeting—its last before the summer recess—opponents of the ICE facility argued that disbanding the city is the only viable path to achieving meaningful change. Helfgott claims a growing lack of confidence in the ability of current and future city leaders to defend residents’ interests. Though not a resident of Surprise, he has actively participated in protests against the facility.
Brittany Bishop, a lifelong resident involved in organizing demonstrations against the detention center, stressed that the petition reflects the true sentiments of the community. She warned that allowing ICE to open the facility would tarnish Surprise’s reputation forever, turning it into a city synonymous with the unethical treatment of immigrants.
Mayor Kevin Sater defended the city’s position, arguing that there is no legal basis for the council to oppose federal actions. He has previously met with the Department of Homeland Security to seek compensation for lost city revenues due to the facility’s impact, emphasizing that it would not result in increased enforcement around local schools, which predominantly serve Hispanic students.
Erika Andiola of the National Network of Day Labor Organizations highlighted the urgency of halting the construction of the warehouse. Using symbolic protests outside council chambers, she illustrated the human cost of such facilities and recalled the distressing case of a man detained despite his long-standing community ties and clean record.
At the final council meeting, City Manager Andrea Davis informed attendees that the facility remains in the planning stages with no significant updates. She emphasized the city’s role in facilitating communication between residents and federal officials to ensure that local concerns are addressed.
