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Oakwood Today
By the People, for the People
Residents Oppose Proposed ICE Detention Center in Hall County
Oakwood officials say the city has been identified as a potential site by the Department of Homeland Security.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Many residents in Hall County, Georgia are opposing plans for a new ICE detention center in the city of Oakwood. Oakwood officials stated that the city has been identified as one of many locations for a potential facility by the Department of Homeland Security, but they are concerned about the proposed location and the lack of consultation with local governing bodies.
Why it matters
The proposed ICE detention center has sparked significant opposition from the local community, who are concerned about the impact on taxes and the lack of transparency in the site selection process. This highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the role of federal agencies in local communities.
The details
Oakwood officials said they support ICE's mission of apprehending and detaining individuals with criminal records, but their concern is with the proposed location and the process by which the site was selected. The Hall County Board of Commissioners Chairman stated that the federal government supersedes local controls, but they want to ensure the facility is developed in collaboration with the local community. A District 3 Commissioner said he is against the facility due to the lack of communication from federal and state officials and the potential increase in taxes for Hall County citizens.
- On Monday, Oakwood residents asked city council members and the mayor to do all they can to prevent the ICE detention center from being built.
The players
Oakwood
A city located eight miles south of Gainesville, Georgia that has been identified as a potential site for an ICE detention center.
Hall County Board of Commissioners
The governing body of Hall County, Georgia that is committed to supporting municipalities and citizens in ensuring local concerns are heard regarding the proposed ICE detention center.
David Gibbs
The Chairman of the Hall County Board of Commissioners who stated the federal government supersedes local controls, but they want to ensure the facility is developed in collaboration with the local community.
Gregg Poole
A District 3 Commissioner who is against the ICE detention center being built due to the lack of communication from federal and state officials and the potential increase in taxes for Hall County citizens.
What they’re saying
“We want to be explicit: the City of Oakwood supports ICE's mission of apprehending and detaining individuals with criminal records. Our concern is not with the agency's lawful role in public safety. Our concern is with the proposed location and the process by which this site was selected, which occurred without consultation, coordination or impact analysis involving any local governing body.”
— Oakwood officials (atlantanewsfirst.com)
“The federal government supersedes our local controls, but we want to ensure that this facility is developed in collaboration and with consideration for the local community.”
— David Gibbs, Hall County Board of Commissioners Chairman (atlantanewsfirst.com)
“Due to the lack of communication from our federal and state officials, I'm not for this facility. It will increase taxes for our Hall County citizens, and I do not support it.”
— Gregg Poole, District 3 Commissioner (atlantanewsfirst.com)
What’s next
The city says anyone opposed to the facility should get in contact with U.S. senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, along with Republican congressmen Andrew Clyde and Rich McCormick.
The takeaway
The proposed ICE detention center in Hall County has sparked significant community opposition due to concerns about the lack of transparency and collaboration in the site selection process, as well as the potential impact on taxes and the local community. This highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the need for federal agencies to work closely with local governments and residents when considering such facilities.
