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.
Arizona
ICE paid $70 million last month for a vast warehouse facility on the northwestern outskirts of Phoenix. The city of Surprise stated that it was not aware of the purchase efforts and had not been notified of the intended use of the building.
Florida
In Orlando, Mayor Buddy Dyer stated that the city was advised it has no legal options to halt a possible ICE facility from opening, despite warnings from city officials.
Indiana
The town council in Merrillville passed a resolution opposing ICE converting a warehouse into a facility, as they had not received any communication from federal agencies.
Maryland
ICE purchased a warehouse in a county about 60 miles from Baltimore for $102.4 million; public records show concerns about the facility's impact on local governance.
Mississippi
Federal officials scouted a building in Marshall County without prior public notice, highlighting transparency issues.
Missouri
Kansas City enacted a five-year moratorium on non-city-run facilities coinciding with ICE’s warehouse tour. Local lawmakers are taking actions to evening out federal power.
New Hampshire
The Merrimack town council expressed opposition to an ICE facility, showing concerns over impacts on local property taxes and emergency services.
New Jersey
In Roxbury, the council stated they oppose an ICE facility, stressing their zoning laws against such structures.
New York
State officials announced they would use legal means to block the proposed ICE operations in Chester, amid environmental concerns.
Oklahoma
After public opposition, the Mayor announced that DHS was no longer in talks to acquire a warehouse for ICE use after local protests.
Pennsylvania
ICE purchased a 520,000-square-foot warehouse in Berks County without local notification regarding future plans.
Texas
Local opposition surfaced against ICE’s plans amid unconfirmed reports of warehouse scouting.
Utah
Salt Lake City Mayor praised warehouse owners for deciding against leasing to ICE amidst community concerns.
Virginia
In Hanover County, officials are considering legal avenues against ICE's plans in a mixed-use area, reflecting community division.






















