South Fulton Bans ICE Detention Centers

City Council votes to prohibit immigration detention facilities in local zoning code

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The South Fulton City Council in Georgia voted 5-2 to adopt a resolution that will ban the establishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers within the city's limits. The measure was introduced by Councilmember Helen Willis and supported by State Senator Jaha Howard, who has proposed similar legislation at the state level.

Why it matters

The vote reflects growing opposition to the expansion of immigration detention facilities, particularly in local communities. Supporters argue that detention centers can have a negative economic impact and 'destroy business dreams', while opponents caution against 'bringing unwanted attention' to the city.

The details

The resolution directs the city to amend its zoning code to prohibit the 'allowable use' of ICE detainee centers. Councilmember Linda Pritchett dissented, arguing that the move was 'premature' since the city does not currently have an ICE detention center. However, the majority of the council voted to proactively block such facilities from being established in the future.

  • The South Fulton City Council voted on the resolution on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Helen Willis

Councilmember representing District 3 who introduced the resolution to ban ICE detention centers.

Jaha Howard

State Senator who supports Willis' resolution and has introduced similar legislation at the state level.

Linda Pritchett

Councilmember representing District 7 who dissented on the resolution, arguing it was 'premature'.

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What they’re saying

“This resolution says that we will put in our zoning code that we don't want the allowable use of ICE detainee centers in our city.”

— Helen Willis, Councilmember, District 3 (atlantanewsfirst.com)

“Once you have a detention center, you have a halo effect that's going to destroy your business dreams. The city of Social Circle — they didn't want a detention center; they wanted industry.”

— Jaha Howard, State Senator (atlantanewsfirst.com)

“I think it's a little premature to get to the point of making changes to the zoning code. I know that there's a big frenzy around ICE, but I don't want to bring unwanted or unnecessary attention to this city when we don't have a problem with ICE.”

— Linda Pritchett, Councilmember, District 7 (atlantanewsfirst.com)

What’s next

The city will now move to amend its zoning code to prohibit the establishment of ICE detention centers within South Fulton's limits.

The takeaway

This vote reflects the growing opposition to immigration detention facilities at the local level, as communities seek to proactively block such centers from being built. While some council members expressed caution about 'bringing unwanted attention', the majority view was that preventing ICE detention centers was an important step to protect the city's economic and social fabric.