Federal Immigration Officials Expand Detention Facility Searches Across the U.S.

Thu Feb 05 2026 01:33:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amid growing pressure from local governments and advocates, ICE is scouring for warehouses to convert into detention facilities, sparking backlash in several states.

Federal officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are actively seeking warehouses to convert into detention and processing facilities. In response, numerous local governments across the U.S. are voicing their opposition, with several cities passing resolutions or moratoriums to block these expansions. From Arizona to New Hampshire, public outcry and local legislations reflect deep concerns about the implications of such facilities on community resources and local governance.

Federal immigration officials are scouting warehouses and beginning to purchase some of them to transform into detention and processing facilities.

Some warehouse owners have decided not to sell to Immigration and Customs Enforcement under pressure from elected officials and advocates. Some cities are issuing statements urging ICE to look elsewhere, and Kansas City has passed a moratorium on non-city-run detention facilities.

ICE has offered few specifics, even to the cities, but said in a statement that the sites wouldn’t be warehouses but well structured detention facilities and said it should come as no surprise that the agency is working to expand detention space.

Here is a look at what’s happening:

Arizona

ICE paid $70 million last month for a vast warehouse facility on the northwestern outskirts of Phoenix, according to a deed filed with Maricopa County. The city of Surprise said in a statement released Friday that it was not aware that there were efforts underway to purchase the building, was not notified of the transaction by any of the parties involved and has not been contacted by the Department of Homeland Security or any federal agency about the intended use of the building. The statement said federal projects are not subject to local regulations, such as zoning.

Florida

In Orlando, Mayor Buddy Dyer stated last month that the city was advised that it had no legal options to halt a possible ICE facility from opening. The statement indicated no communication from federal officials regarding the plans, despite a TV reporter spotting a group touring a large industrial warehouse. ICE senior advisor David Venturella described the tour as “exploratory.”

Indiana

The town council in Merrillville passed a resolution opposing ICE’s plans to convert a warehouse into a processing or detention facility. The city confirmed it was aware of ICE's interest in the property but stated it had received no official notice of their plans.

Maryland

ICE recently purchased a warehouse in a county northwest of Baltimore for over $102 million. Local officials were informed beforehand about the use for an ICE Baltimore Processing Facility, which could include various infrastructure elements.

Minnesota

In Minneapolis' suburbs, local warehouse owners have withdrawn from potential sales to ICE following public backlash. The mayor confirmed that a warehouse in Woodbury was not being sold or leased to the federal agency.

Mississippi

Federal officials were spotted scouting a building in Marshall County for a potential ICE facility. The local board vice president was unaware of the visit given it was a private property.

Missouri

Kansas City’s council passed a five-year moratorium on non-city-run detention facilities just as ICE officials were touring a warehouse in the area, showcasing local resistance to federal expansion.

New Hampshire

The town council in Merrimack expressed its opposition to an ICE facility amid concerns over impacts on local taxes and services. The ACLU reported ICE is considering a site in the area.

New Jersey

In Roxbury, council members echoed their opposition after seeing federal officials tour a local warehouse. Despite this, there has been a lack of communication from ICE about future plans.

New York

Elected officials are mounting opposition to ICE’s proposal to purchase a warehouse in Chester for operations, citing environmental and legal concerns.

Oklahoma

The mayor of Oklahoma City announced that federal discussions regarding a warehouse acquisition for ICE operations were halted following community opposition.

Pennsylvania

ICE purchased a large warehouse for $87.4 million, but local officials were not informed of the transaction beforehand or of potential future plans.

Texas

In El Paso County, local commissioners expressed opposition to ICE's rumored plans to acquire a warehouse in the area.

Utah

Salt Lake City’s mayor announced that warehouse owners would not lease to ICE after local pressure to maintain community standards.

Virginia

Hanover County officials are evaluating legal options after learning about the federal government’s intent to purchase property for an ICE facility, which has drawn mixed community sentiment.