Feds Confirm Plans for Immigration Facility in Social Circle, Georgia

City officials say they have not been consulted on the proposed ICE detention center.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Federal officials have informed the city of Social Circle, Georgia that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is moving forward with establishing an immigration detention facility within the city limits. The city had previously denied reports of such a facility, calling it 'infeasible.' However, Congressman Mike Collins stated that the site was identified as a preferred location after meeting certain operational metrics. Social Circle officials say they have not been asked for any input on the evaluation or planning process for the proposed ICE detention center.

Why it matters

The planned immigration detention facility in Social Circle has raised concerns among local residents and officials, who say they were not consulted on the decision. The facility's construction could have significant impacts on the small town's infrastructure, economy, and community dynamics.

The details

According to Congressman Mike Collins, the site in Social Circle was initially considered as an alternate location but was later identified as the preferred site after certain operational metrics were met. However, city officials stated they have not been asked for any input related to the evaluation or planning process for the proposed ICE detention facility.

  • On February 5, 2026, federal officials informed the city of Social Circle about the plans for the immigration detention facility.

The players

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency responsible for establishing the proposed immigration detention facility in Social Circle, Georgia.

Congressman Mike Collins

A U.S. Representative who stated that the Social Circle site was identified as a preferred location for the immigration detention facility.

Social Circle

A small city in Georgia with a population of 4,974 as of the 2020 census, where the federal government plans to build an immigration detention facility.

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What they’re saying

“The site was initially considered as an alternate location but was later identified as a preferred site after certain operational metrics aligned.”

— Congressman Mike Collins (wrdw.com)

“City officials said that they have not been asked for any input related to this evaluation or planning process.”

— Social Circle City Officials (wrdw.com)

What’s next

City officials have requested that the federal government provide the information about the proposed immigration detention facility in writing.

The takeaway

The planned immigration detention facility in Social Circle has raised concerns among local residents and officials, who say they were not consulted on the decision. The facility's construction could have significant impacts on the small town, and the lack of transparency from federal authorities has further stoked community unease.