Protesters Rally Against Planned ICE Facility in Surprise, Arizona

Over 1,000 gather at Surprise City Hall to voice opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement site.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 12:31am

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Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Surprise City Hall on February 3, 2026, to voice their opposition to plans for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in the city. The protest came after a local newspaper reported that ICE intended to establish a presence in Surprise, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE facility has sparked significant backlash from the local community, with many residents expressing concerns about the potential impact on immigrant families and the overall character of the city. The protest underscores the ongoing debate around immigration enforcement and the role of federal agencies like ICE in local communities.

The details

According to a Surprise police officer, the crowd outside City Hall grew to over 1,000 people as the night went on. The protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the planned ICE facility, which they believe would have a negative impact on the city's immigrant population and overall community.

  • The protest took place on February 3, 2026, during a Surprise City Council meeting.
  • The protest came after a local newspaper, The Republic, reported that ICE planned to have a facility in Surprise.

The players

Surprise City Council

The local governing body of Surprise, Arizona, which was holding its first public meeting since the news of the planned ICE facility broke.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that was reportedly planning to establish a facility in the city of Surprise, Arizona.

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What they’re saying

“The crowd outside City Hall grew to over 1,000 as the night went on, according to a Surprise police officer.”

— Surprise Police Officer (azcentral.com)

The takeaway

The protest in Surprise highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the role of federal agencies like ICE in local communities. The strong community opposition to the planned ICE facility suggests that the issue will likely continue to be a point of contention in the city.