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GOP Senator Opposes Planned ICE Detention Facility in Home State
Sen. Roger Wicker warns the facility would hurt local economic development in Mississippi.
Published on Feb. 4, 2026
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Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) is opposing a plan by the Trump administration to establish a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in his home state of Mississippi, arguing it will hurt the local economy and place strain on community resources.
Why it matters
The proposed ICE detention facility in Byhalia, Mississippi has faced significant pushback from the local community and Sen. Wicker, who is concerned about the economic and public safety impacts. This reflects a broader debate over the expansion of immigration detention under the Trump administration.
The details
Wicker says the site in Byhalia is currently positioned for economic development and job creation, but converting it into an ICE detention center would 'foreclose economic growth opportunities.' He also warned of 'serious feasibility concerns' around the facility's specialized infrastructure demands and the ability of the local medical and human services resources to support over 8,500 detainees.
- The Trump administration plans to convert a warehouse in Byhalia, Mississippi into an ICE detention facility.
- Congressional negotiators hope to pass a full-year Homeland Security Appropriations bill before February 13, when a stopgap funding measure will expire.
The players
Sen. Roger Wicker
A Republican senator from Mississippi who is opposing the planned ICE detention facility in his home state.
Kristi Noem
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and the planned detention facility.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
The federal law enforcement agency that detains and deports undocumented immigrants, and is planning to establish the new detention facility in Mississippi.
What they’re saying
“The site is currently positioned for economic development purposes. It represents an opportunity for job creation, private investment, and long-term growth in Marshall County.”
— Sen. Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator
“Establishing a detention center at this site would place significant strain on local resources.”
— Sen. Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator
What’s next
Wicker could attempt to block the facility by adding language to the full-year Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which congressional negotiators hope to pass before February 13.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing debate over the expansion of immigration detention under the Trump administration, with local communities and lawmakers pushing back against new ICE facilities due to concerns over economic impacts and strains on public resources.
