U.S. Rep. Mrvan Opposes Proposed Merrillville Immigrant Detention Center

Congressman calls on DHS to reverse plans for converting commercial warehouse into immigration facility

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan has expressed strong opposition to a proposed immigrant detention center in Merrillville, Indiana. In a letter to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Mrvan cited concerns over lack of transparency, public safety issues, and the facility's unsuitability for human habitation. Mrvan is urging the administration to reverse any decision to convert a commercial warehouse into an ICE detention facility in his district.

Why it matters

The potential Merrillville detention center has raised alarm among local officials and residents who were not consulted about the plan. There are concerns about the facility's impact on public safety and infrastructure, as well as the suitability of converting a commercial warehouse into a detention center. Mrvan's opposition highlights growing tensions over immigration enforcement policies and the desire for more transparency and community input.

The details

In his letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Mrvan stated he is 'deeply troubled by this Administration's pattern of actions that undermine the constitutional civil liberties guaranteed to all people.' He expressed strong opposition to 'any plan to convert a commercial warehouse in Indiana's First Congressional District into an ICE detention facility.' Mrvan noted that local officials in Merrillville were not consulted or notified about the potential facility, which he said raises 'serious public safety and infrastructure concerns.' The congressman also highlighted concerns that the commercial warehouse lacks the necessary infrastructure and is not designed for human habitation.

  • On February 7, 2026, Mrvan sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem expressing his opposition to the proposed Merrillville detention center.

The players

Frank J. Mrvan

U.S. Representative for Indiana's 1st congressional district, who has voiced strong opposition to the proposed immigrant detention center in Merrillville.

Kristi Noem

Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to whom Mrvan addressed his letter expressing concerns about the Merrillville facility.

Merrillville Town Council

Local officials in Merrillville who were not consulted about the potential detention center and have raised concerns about its impact on public safety and infrastructure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Town of Merrillville and surrounding public safety departments have made clear to my office and the public that they were not consulted in this decision. While not required, my office was also not notified. This lack of transparency raises serious public safety and infrastructure concerns for our community. I respectfully call on the Administration to reverse any decision to convert commercial buildings for the purpose of detaining individuals in our district.”

— Frank J. Mrvan, U.S. Representative (Letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem)

“That warehouse was built by Opus, and it's 289,000 square-feet with no bathroom facilities. As your Ward 6 Councilman, I'm telling you 'No. There's no way (representatives were there).' I live closer to that area than you do, and I watch those warehouses like a hawk. I did see a squad and two other cars out there today.”

— Shawn Pettit, Merrillville Town Councilman, Ward 6 (Post-Tribune)

“I don't think any municipality wants one of these in their town. We've reached out to DHS and let them know our feelings, and we have zoning for these warehouses that isn't conducive to what they want, but we are concerned that federal law will overrule anything we have.”

— Rick Bella, Merrillville Town Council President (Post-Tribune)

What’s next

Mrvan has called on the Department of Homeland Security to reverse any decision to convert the commercial warehouse in Merrillville into an immigrant detention facility. The town council has also passed a resolution denouncing the potential detention center, though officials acknowledge federal law may override local zoning and opposition.

The takeaway

This dispute over the proposed Merrillville detention center highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement policies and local communities that feel left out of the decision-making process. The lack of transparency and consultation with Merrillville officials has raised significant concerns about public safety, infrastructure, and the suitability of converting a commercial warehouse into a detention facility.