Surprise ICE facility prompts backlash, demands for transparency

Residents and local officials criticize lack of communication over planned 1,500-bed detention center

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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More than 1,000 residents of Surprise, Arizona, turned out to oppose a federal plan to convert a warehouse into a 1,500-bed ICE detention center. The city and local congressman, Rep. Paul Gosar, say they were not informed about the $70 million purchase of the 418,400-square-foot facility. Gosar has demanded transparency and coordination from the Department of Homeland Security, while residents have raised concerns about the facility's impact on infrastructure, public safety, and the nearby high school.

Why it matters

The planned ICE detention center has sparked outrage in the Surprise community, with residents and officials criticizing the lack of communication and transparency from federal authorities. The facility's proximity to a local high school has also raised concerns about the potential for increased profiling and police presence in the area.

The details

The Department of Homeland Security purchased the 418,400-square-foot warehouse for around $70 million and plans to convert it into a 1,500-bed ICE detention center. Residents and city officials only learned about the purchase after it was reported by the Arizona Republic on January 29, six days after the deal was finalized. Rep. Paul Gosar, whose district includes the site, has demanded transparency and coordination from DHS, citing concerns about the facility's impact on infrastructure, traffic, emergency services, environmental issues, and public safety.

  • On January 29, 2026, the Arizona Republic reported the $70 million purchase of the warehouse by DHS.
  • On February 3, 2026, more than 1,000 Surprise residents attended a city council meeting to voice their opposition to the planned ICE detention center.
  • On February 4, 2026, Rep. Paul Gosar sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding transparency and coordination with the Surprise community.

The players

Rep. Paul Gosar

A Republican congressman whose district includes the site of the planned ICE detention center in Surprise, Arizona.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Chris Judd

A Surprise city council member who represents the district where the planned ICE detention center is located.

Jon Mannella

A Surprise resident who spoke out against the planned ICE detention center at the city council meeting.

Alexandria Moen

A 2022 graduate of Dysart High School, which is located just over a mile from the planned ICE detention center.

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What they’re saying

“Concerns regarding infrastructure capacity, traffic, emergency services, environmental impacts, and public safety deserve serious consideration. These are not anti-illegal immigration concerns; they are common-sense expectations of transparency, planning, and accountability.”

— Rep. Paul Gosar (Letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem)

“You're allowing the so-called 'worst of the worst' to be housed right there. I do say 'allow' because other cities are successfully fighting back against these facilities.”

— Jon Mannella, Surprise resident (Surprise City Council meeting)

“The children are terrified. These children are … our duty to protect.”

— Alexandria Moen, 2022 Dysart High School graduate (Surprise City Council meeting)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.