Surprise Officials Demand Clarity on Proposed ICE Facility

City seeks details on federal government's purchase of large warehouse near residential area and high school.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The city of Surprise, Arizona has formally requested information and clarification from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding the federal government's recent purchase of a large warehouse facility near a residential neighborhood and high school. City officials are seeking details on the purpose, plans for expansion or modification, impact on the community, and timeline for construction and opening of the facility.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE facility has raised concerns among Surprise residents and local officials about the potential impact on public safety, infrastructure, and community resources. The city is seeking transparency from the federal government to understand the plans and be able to responsibly plan and prepare for any changes.

The details

The federal government purchased a more than 400,000 square-foot warehouse near Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road in Surprise for $70 million in cash. The facility is located about 300 yards from a neighborhood and roughly a mile away from Dysart High School. City officials say the feds have been tight-lipped about their plans for the facility, not answering questions from the community or local officials.

  • Late last month, it came to light that the federal government had bought the warehouse.
  • On February 8, the Surprise City Council approved sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE requesting information.

The players

Kevin Sartor

The mayor of Surprise, Arizona.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Todd Lyons

The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Kris Mayes

The Democratic Attorney General of Arizona.

Mark Kelly

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Arizona.

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What they’re saying

“The City must be able to plan responsibly, protect public safety, and provide accurate information to residents. Proceeding without meaningful coordination places undue strain on local resources and undermines public trust.”

— Kevin Sartor, Mayor of Surprise, Arizona (Letter to DHS and ICE)

What’s next

City officials have requested an in-person meeting with DHS Secretary Noem and ICE Acting Director Lyons or their senior staff when they are in Washington, D.C. next month.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tensions that can arise when federal agencies make decisions that directly impact local communities without proper coordination and transparency. The city of Surprise is seeking to ensure that any proposed ICE facility is properly planned for and does not unduly strain the community's resources or undermine public trust.