Georgia Lawmaker Proposes Ban on State Funds for ICE Detention Centers

The bill aims to stop the construction of "massive detention warehouses" without local consent.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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State Sen. Jaha Howard, a Democrat, has announced a bill that would ban the use of state-controlled funds and tax incentives to create more ICE detention centers in Georgia. The proposal comes in response to plans for new ICE facilities in Social Circle and Oakwood, which have faced pushback from local officials like Councilmember Helen Zenobia Willis of South Fulton, who is introducing a city resolution against providing support for these detention centers.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation reflects growing concerns among Georgia residents and lawmakers about the expansion of ICE detention infrastructure in their communities, with criticisms around the lack of transparency, environmental safeguards, and local consent in the placement of these facilities.

The details

Sen. Howard's bill aims to prevent state resources from being used to establish new ICE detention centers in Georgia, which he describes as "massive detention warehouses" that are being placed in communities without proper oversight. The push against these facilities comes as plans have been announced for a new detention center in Social Circle and a processing center in Oakwood.

  • On February 16, 2026, Sen. Jaha Howard announced the proposed legislation.
  • Last week, Channel 2 Action News reported on the planned ICE detention center in Social Circle and processing center in Oakwood.

The players

Jaha Howard

A Democratic state senator in Georgia who has introduced a bill to ban the use of state funds and tax incentives for new ICE detention centers.

Helen Zenobia Willis

A councilmember in South Fulton, Georgia who is introducing a city resolution against providing zoning approvals, land, or logistical cooperation for ICE detention facilities.

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What they’re saying

“Georgia families want safe neighborhoods and secure borders. What they do not want are massive detention warehouses placed in their communities without transparency, environmental safeguards, or local consent.”

— Jaha Howard, State Senator (wsbtv.com)

What’s next

The state legislature will consider Sen. Howard's bill, and the South Fulton City Council will vote on Councilmember Willis' resolution in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation reflects growing grassroots opposition in Georgia to the expansion of the ICE detention infrastructure, with concerns around the lack of community input and environmental impacts of these facilities. The outcome of these measures could set an important precedent for how states and localities approach the placement of new immigration detention centers.