Ariz. senators challenge Surprise ICE center on environmental grounds

Protest held at Surprise City Hall against ICE's planned facility

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Feb. 3, 2026, Surprise City Council meeting was the first public meeting for the city since The Republic reported ICE planned to have a facility in the city. The crowd outside City Hall grew to over 1,000 as the night went on, according to a Surprise

Why it matters

The planned ICE facility in Surprise, Arizona has drawn significant community backlash and protests, with local leaders and residents raising concerns about the environmental impact and lack of prior engagement from federal authorities.

The details

Senators from Arizona have challenged the planned ICE detention center in Surprise, citing environmental concerns and the lack of consultation with local leadership prior to the acquisition of the site.

  • The Feb. 3, 2026 Surprise City Council meeting was the first public meeting since the ICE facility plans were reported.

The players

Surprise City Council

The local governing body of Surprise, Arizona that held a public meeting to address the planned ICE facility.

Arizona Senators

Senators from the state of Arizona who have challenged the planned ICE detention center in Surprise on environmental grounds.

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency planning to establish a detention facility in Surprise, Arizona.

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What’s next

The Surprise City Council and Arizona Senators are expected to continue pressing federal authorities on the environmental impact and lack of community input regarding the planned ICE detention center.

The takeaway

The planned ICE facility in Surprise has sparked significant local opposition, with elected officials and residents voicing concerns about the environmental consequences and the lack of prior consultation with the community.