Arizona AG Considers Lawsuit to Stop Planned ICE Detention Center in Surprise

Kris Mayes warns the Trump administration that the 1,500-bed facility could be considered a public nuisance under state law.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is weighing whether to take legal action to stop the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from converting a 418,400-square-foot warehouse in Surprise, Arizona into a 1,500-bed immigration detention center. Mayes has demanded more information from the agency and warned that she has the authority to challenge projects considered a public nuisance under state law.

Why it matters

The planned ICE detention center has drawn vocal opposition from the local community, with over 1,000 people attending a city council meeting to urge officials to stop the project. The facility's proximity to a high school with a majority Hispanic student body has also raised concerns. Mayes' potential lawsuit could be part of a broader legal battle over the Trump administration's efforts to expand immigration detention capacity across the country.

The details

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security purchased the massive warehouse in Surprise last month, and ICE later confirmed it would be converted into a 1,500-bed detention center. This is part of the agency's efforts to increase detention capacity to meet the demands of President Trump's mass deportation campaign. Arizona currently has six detention centers with a combined capacity of 3,341 beds.

  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security purchased the warehouse in Surprise last month.
  • Mayes sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on February 9, 2026 demanding more information and warning of potential legal action.
  • Mayes requested answers to her questions by February 17, 2026.

The players

Kris Mayes

The Democratic Attorney General of Arizona who is considering a public nuisance lawsuit to stop the planned ICE detention center in Surprise.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which purchased the warehouse in Surprise that is planned to be converted into an ICE detention center.

Paul Gosar

A Republican U.S. Representative whose district includes Surprise, who wrote to DHS questioning the agency's plans for the facility.

Yassamin Ansari

A Democratic U.S. Representative who has also written inquiries to DHS about the planned ICE detention center.

Adelita Grijalva

A Democratic U.S. Representative who has also written inquiries to DHS about the planned ICE detention center.

Greg Stanton

A Democratic U.S. Representative who has also written inquiries to DHS about the planned ICE detention center.

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What they’re saying

“As Arizona's top law enforcement officer, I have authority to compel the abatement of activities considered a public nuisance.”

— Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General (azmirror.com)

“It's important to note, Federal projects are not subject to local regulations, such as zoning. While we do not participate in ICE operations, we also cannot interrupt or prevent their operations.”

— Surprise City Council (azmirror.com)

What’s next

The judge in any potential lawsuit filed by Attorney General Mayes will decide whether the planned ICE detention center in Surprise constitutes a public nuisance under Arizona law.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local communities and the federal government over the expansion of immigration detention facilities. While the law may limit local officials' ability to block these projects, Attorney General Mayes' potential lawsuit shows that states are willing to use every legal avenue available to challenge the Trump administration's immigration enforcement agenda.