Oakwood City Council Opposes Planned ICE Detention Center

Resolution calls for federal officials to halt construction plans for 1,500-inmate facility in small Georgia town.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 6:06pm

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The Oakwood City Council in Georgia has unanimously approved a resolution asking the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to immediately stop all planning, construction, and preparations for a large 1,500-inmate detention facility in their community. City officials say they were not consulted or provided any details about the planned facility, which they say would negatively impact the town's infrastructure and public safety.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention center has raised concerns among Oakwood residents and officials about the lack of transparency from federal authorities, as well as the potential strain on the small town's resources and services. The city council's resolution reflects growing pushback from local communities against the expansion of immigration detention facilities.

The details

According to the resolution, Oakwood's city council was not notified or consulted about the federal government's plans to build the detention center, which would be located just a mile from City Hall. Officials say the facility would result in a loss of tax revenue and put a strain on the town's sewer capacity. Documents indicate the center would serve as a "Regional Processing Center" to house an average daily population of 1,000 to 1,500 detainees for 3-7 day stays.

  • On Monday, March 10, 2026, the Oakwood City Council unanimously approved the resolution.
  • In February 2026, city leaders said they first learned of the DHS plan from the local congressional office.

The players

Oakwood City Council

The governing body of the city of Oakwood, Georgia, which passed a resolution opposing the planned ICE detention center in their community.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that was planning to build the 1,500-inmate detention facility in Oakwood without consulting local officials.

U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde

The Republican congressman representing Oakwood in Georgia's 9th District, who informed city leaders about the DHS plan.

B.R. White

Oakwood's city manager, who said the town felt "blindsided" and "steamrolled over" by the federal government's plans.

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What they’re saying

“The City of Oakwood was not consulted, notified, or provided with any environmental, infrastructural, public-safety, or operational documentation prior to the federal acquisition, despite the significant impacts such a facility imposes on municipal infrastructure and public safety.”

— Oakwood City Council

“It feels like we were blindsided and that we've been steamrolled over.”

— B.R. White, Oakwood City Manager

What’s next

Oakwood's resolution also requests documentation from DHS and ICE about the planned detention center, and urges nearby Hall County and other local governments to adopt similar resolutions opposing the facility.

The takeaway

The Oakwood City Council's strong opposition to the planned ICE detention center highlights the growing tensions between local communities and federal immigration enforcement efforts, as well as the lack of transparency and consultation from the government when siting these types of facilities.