Feds Paid Over $128.5 Million for New ICE Facility in Social Circle

The U.S. government purchased a 235-acre warehouse property that could house 5,000-10,000 detainees, tripling the town's population.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The U.S. government paid $128,555,500 to purchase a 235-acre property in Social Circle, Georgia that is expected to be used as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. The facility could house 5,000-10,000 detainees, which would effectively triple the population of the small town. The sale has drawn criticism from both Democratic and Republican officials, who are concerned about the strain the facility will place on the town's infrastructure.

Why it matters

The purchase of this large ICE detention facility in a small Georgia town has sparked controversy and concerns from local officials about the impact it will have on the community's resources and infrastructure. The high price tag and lack of transparency around the deal have also raised questions.

The details

According to a deed obtained by reporters, the U.S. government paid $128,555,500 to PNK S1, LLC to purchase the 235-acre property at 1365 East Hightower Trail in Social Circle. The lot currently contains a warehouse that is expected to be used as the ICE detention facility. In 2025, the property was valued at $29,786,800, meaning the federal government paid nearly $100 million more than the assessed value. The facility could house 5,000-10,000 detainees, which would effectively triple the population of Social Circle.

  • In 2023, PNK purchased the property for $29,392,500 from Walton Leaf LLC.
  • In 2024, the property was valued at $3,294,000 by the Walton County Tax Assessor's Office.
  • In 2025, the property's value jumped to $29,786,800 as the warehouse neared completion.
  • In December 2025, reports surfaced that the federal government was eyeing the site for an ICE detention center.
  • On February 4, 2026, the City of Social Circle announced the federal government was in the process of purchasing the property.

The players

PNK S1, LLC

The company that sold the 235-acre property to the U.S. government for $128,555,500.

Walton Leaf LLC

The previous owner of the property, which sold it to PNK S1, LLC in 2023 for $29,392,500.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency expected to use the new detention facility in Social Circle.

Jon Ossoff

Democratic U.S. Senator who has expressed opposition to the new ICE facility.

Mike Collins

Republican U.S. Representative for Georgia's 10th Congressional District, who supports ICE's mission but is concerned about the facility's impact on Social Circle.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Detainees could start being housed at the facility as soon as April, according to the city's February 4 Facebook post.

The takeaway

This deal highlights the lack of transparency and oversight around the federal government's purchase of private property for use as immigration detention facilities, as well as the potential strain such facilities can place on small communities' resources and infrastructure.