Surprise Residents Strongly Oppose ICE Detention Facility

Over 150 people attend city council meeting to voice concerns about $70 million DHS purchase of building for ICE use.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:31pm

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Residents of Surprise, Arizona overwhelmingly voiced opposition at a city council meeting to the Department of Homeland Security's $70 million purchase of a building to be used as an ICE detention facility. Speakers cited concerns about ICE's track record, the facility's proximity to schools, and the potential strain on the city's infrastructure. While the city says it was unaware of the plans, officials stated they are committed to hearing residents' thoughts.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention facility has become a flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and the role of federal agencies like ICE. Surprise residents are concerned about the facility's impact on their community, raising issues around civil liberties, public services, and local control over development decisions.

The details

Over 150 people attended the Surprise City Council meeting to express their opposition to the DHS purchase of a $70 million building to be used as an ICE detention facility. Speakers argued that ICE cannot be trusted to uphold the constitutional rights of immigrants and cited the agency's history of deplorable conditions at detention centers. Concerns were also raised about the facility's proximity to local schools and the potential strain it could place on Surprise's water and sewage systems, as well as a potential decrease in property values. While some attendees supported the facility, the overwhelming sentiment was against ICE's presence in the city.

  • The Surprise City Council meeting took place on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

Kevin Sartor

The mayor of Surprise, Arizona, who stated the city was unaware of the DHS purchase and is not able to regulate federal projects like this one.

Brent Peak

A civic engagement worker who does not reside in Surprise but spoke at the meeting to voice opposition to the ICE facility.

Anita Norton-McDaniel

A councilmember from the neighboring city of El Mirage, who called the ICE facility an "elephant in the room" and urged Surprise to hold its own dedicated meeting to address the issue.

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What they’re saying

“We support holding people accountable for their crimes, whether they are citizens or immigrants. We do not want to excuse or allow criminal behavior. Our concern is that ICE cannot be trusted to exercise their authority responsibly, whether on the streets or in a detention center.”

— Brent Peak, Civic engagement worker (ktar.com)

“There's plenty of things that you can try. I imagine if this was a homeless shelter or a mental health center, you would find a way to stop it. ... Just pretend that it's that and put a stop to it.”

— Unnamed attendee (ktar.com)

“We know you weren't given a seat at the table when this project was planned, but you have the power to pull up a chair right now. Let's work to ensure that the safety of our schools and the integrity of our neighborhoods remain your top priority.”

— Unnamed attendee (ktar.com)

What’s next

The Surprise City Council stated they are committed to hearing more from residents on this issue and will be meeting with one attendee in the coming days to discuss potential next steps.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the tensions between federal immigration enforcement efforts and local communities, as well as the challenges cities face in responding to unilateral decisions by federal agencies. Surprise residents are determined to have a voice in decisions that impact their neighborhoods, schools, and quality of life.