ICE Turns Warehouses Into Detention Camps Amid Criticism

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Trump administration has purchased large warehouses across the United States that could hold thousands of detainees, drawing criticism from advocates who say the conditions in these facilities are inhumane. The warehouses, some the size of seven football fields, are being converted into detention camps by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to house immigrants awaiting deportation.

Why it matters

The expansion of ICE's detention capacity through the use of repurposed warehouses has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the government's immigration enforcement policies. Critics argue these facilities lack proper amenities and medical care, and that the administration is prioritizing detention over other alternatives.

The details

ICE has purchased warehouses in locations like Surprise, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix, that are being converted into large-scale detention centers. The facilities are described as being the size of seven football fields, capable of holding thousands of detainees. Advocates and human rights groups have condemned the conditions in many ICE detention centers, citing issues like poor sanitation, lack of medical care, and overcrowding.

• In 2026, the Trump administration began purchasing warehouses across the U.S. to convert into ICE detention camps.

What’s next

Advocacy groups and lawmakers continue to pressure the administration to address the conditions in ICE detention facilities and explore alternatives to mass detention.