Department of Homeland Security is buying up large warehouses across the US for ICE

The US Department of Homeland Security is in the process of acquiring dozens of large industrial warehouses across the country to use as detention facilities for processing international removals for their growing crackdown on immigrants.

This new phase of immigration detention is expected to be completed by the end of the 2026 fiscal year, increasing bed capacity to 92,600. These facilities are scheduled to be activated by November 2026.

This comes as the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's approval is at a record low following multiple cases of civilian deaths at the hands of ICE, images of violent raids, and reports of inhumane conditions at detention facilities.

What are the main concerns?

The primary concern is that they are seen as a sign of ICE expanding its operations, which are already alarming to many Americans. Beyond the general issue of using warehouses, many people are concerned about due process, the conditions inside these facilities, environmental impact, and what this means for democracy.

How will these facilities be used, according to DHS?

According to a report by ICE on its warehouse acquisition plans (provided to the New Hampshire governor and published in The Guardian), these facilities will be operated humanely and comply with safety codes.

Per the DHS, these facilities will provide basic needs, such as food, clothing, hygiene products, bedding, and recreation. They will provide medical, dental and mental health care. They will also grant detainees access to courtrooms and legal services.

According to the report, this model will "promote the safety, dignity, and respect of all aliens in ICE custody." The average length of stay will be 60 days.

The report also notes that this new model is not temporary. "The new sites will serve as ICE's long-term detention solution," it says.

What is the total cost?

The total cost is estimated at $38.3 billion and is expected to be funded through money allocated from Congress through the One Big Beautiful Bill passed in July. It's unclear if this includes infrastructural support needed from communities where these warehouses will be used (water, electricity, waste disposal).

Where are these warehouses located?

These 23 identified warehouses are primarily on the East Coast and the South, with two each in Pennsylvania and Georgia. None appears to be planned on the West Coast. A map shows their locations and status. 

What has been agreed upon so far?

So far, leases or purchases have been signed or confirmed by officials in Surprise, Arizona; Williamsport, Maryland; Hamburg, Pennsylvania; Tremont, Pennsylvania; and Clint, Texas.

According to a 25 February report by Bloomberg, ICE has recently closed on two deals to acquire warehouses, totalling 10 properties for around $800 million.  

What are the hurdles for DHS?

Since news of these warehouse acquisitions has been made public, there have been continuous local protests near what are expected to be new detention facilities.

In addition to residents' protests, elected officials in these areas have raised concerns about the lack of planning and transparency.

In at least five states: Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Utah, and Virginia, federal government plans for acquiring warehouses have been halted by local protests.

In Jackson County, Missouri, Legislative Chair Manny Abarca was reportedly told about a planned warehouse tour in his area, prompting him to inspect the location himself (from the outside) and later work to issue a five-year moratorium on non-municipal detention facilities.

For some areas, the news might have come too late to stop the acquisition of a local warehouse.

Local officials in the small Georgia town of Social Circle, which voted around 73% for Trump, have been speaking out about the purchase of its warehouse for $129 million, citing concerns about local water use. At its full capacity of 10,000, the facility would triple the town’s population, potentially straining its modest water supply.

Despite some high-profile pushback, DHS appear to be moving forward with these plans and could name more sites in the coming months.