Arizonans Protest New ICE Detention Facility in Surprise

Residents raise concerns about location, water usage, and risks to nearby military base

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:34am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary barbed wire fence or detention center guard tower, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the tensions and unease surrounding the proposed ICE detention facility in Surprise, Arizona.As tensions over immigration detention escalate, a proposed ICE facility in Surprise, Arizona sparks concerns from local residents about its impact on the community.Surprise Today

Dozens of Arizonans voiced strong opposition to a planned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Surprise, Arizona during a city council meeting. Residents criticized the facility's location near schools, expressed distrust in the Department of Homeland Security, and urged the council to take action to stop the facility from opening.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention center has become a flashpoint for immigration policy debates in Arizona, with local residents fearing the facility could negatively impact their community. The city council's decision on whether to allow the facility could have significant political and social ramifications.

The details

The federal government awarded a $313 million contract to renovate a Surprise warehouse as a new ICE detention facility that could house up to 1,500 people. During the city council meeting, 74 speakers signed up to voice their concerns, with only two speaking on unrelated issues. Councilmember Chris Judd said he would bring the facility as an action item at the next meeting, citing worries about water usage, the facility's proximity to Luke Air Force Base, and the lack of a written agreement from the Department of Homeland Security.

  • The city council meeting took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Rinchem, the chemical storage plant across the street from the proposed detention center location, has 6 months until June 2026 to update its risk management plan to account for the new facility.

The players

Kevin Sartor

The mayor of Surprise, Arizona, who held a press conference last week to provide information about the incoming ICE detention facility.

Chris Judd

A Surprise City Councilmember who expressed numerous concerns about the ICE facility, including its water usage, location near the Luke Air Force Base, and lack of a written agreement from the Department of Homeland Security.

Analise Ortiz

An Arizona state senator representing Glendale, who told the city council that there should be "no compromise" on stopping the ICE facility from opening.

Catherine Miranda

An Arizona state senator representing Phoenix, who encouraged the city council to file a lawsuit against the federal government to stop the ICE facility.

Brent Peak

The co-chair of Northwest Valley Indivisible, an organization trying to stop the detention center from operating in Surprise.

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What they’re saying

“There is no compromise that should be made with DHS to open this facility. The only acceptable option is to stop it from opening at all costs.”

— Analise Ortiz, Arizona State Senator

“The city council 'has the power to say no,' and she encouraged council members to file a lawsuit against the federal government with the help of Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.”

— Catherine Miranda, Arizona State Senator

What’s next

The Surprise City Council plans to discuss the ICE detention facility as an action item at their next meeting, where they may consider legal options to block the facility's opening.

The takeaway

The proposed ICE detention center in Surprise has sparked intense backlash from local residents who fear the facility could negatively impact their community. The city council's decision on whether to allow the facility will have significant political and social ramifications for the region.