California Leaders Urge Noem Not to Reopen Dublin Prison as ICE Facility

Senators Schiff and Padilla, and Rep. DeSaulnier express 'deep concern' over the plan.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Three prominent California congressional leaders have written to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, urging her not to reopen the former federal prison in Dublin, California as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier expressed 'deep concern' over the proposal in their letter to Noem.

Why it matters

The potential reopening of the Dublin prison as an ICE facility has raised alarm among California's political leaders, who view it as a concerning move that could undermine the state's efforts to limit immigration enforcement and protect vulnerable populations.

The details

In their letter, the California lawmakers argued that repurposing the Dublin prison would 'exacerbate the trauma' of those previously incarcerated there and 'further erode trust' between immigrant communities and law enforcement. They urged Noem to reconsider the plan and instead work with state and local officials to find 'more humane solutions' for immigration enforcement.

  • The letter was sent to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on February 18, 2026.

The players

Adam Schiff

A U.S. Senator representing California.

Alex Padilla

A U.S. Senator representing California.

Mark DeSaulnier

A U.S. Representative from California's 11th congressional district.

Kristi Noem

The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“We write to express our deep concern with the Department of Homeland Security's reported plans to reopen the former federal prison in Dublin, California as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility.”

— Adam Schiff, Alex Padilla, Mark DeSaulnier, U.S. Senators and Representative (Letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security will need to decide whether to move forward with the plan to reopen the Dublin prison as an ICE facility in the face of opposition from California's congressional delegation.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government's immigration enforcement priorities and California's efforts to limit the state's involvement in deportations and protect immigrant communities. The potential reopening of the Dublin prison as an ICE facility is seen by state leaders as a concerning development that could undermine trust and exacerbate trauma.