Mississippi Senator Opposes ICE Detention Center in His State

Wicker cites concerns over economic impact and strain on local resources

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) has written a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressing his opposition to ICE's plans to convert a warehouse facility in Byhalia, Mississippi into a large detention center with over 8,500 beds. Wicker argues the detention center would foreclose economic growth opportunities, strain local infrastructure and resources, and face significant public safety and medical capacity concerns from his constituents.

Why it matters

The letter from a Republican senator to a Republican administration official signals growing bipartisan opposition to the expansion of ICE detention centers, which have faced criticism over inhumane conditions and human rights abuses. Wicker's stance could embolden other lawmakers to challenge similar ICE facility plans in their own states.

The details

In his letter, Wicker said the proposed ICE detention center would replace an industrial asset with a use that does not generate comparable economic returns or community benefits. He also noted the facility would impose substantial infrastructure demands that the local area is ill-equipped to handle, including transportation, utilities, staffing, and emergency services. Wicker said many of his constituents have voiced concerns about the public safety and medical capacity impacts the large detention center would have.

  • On February 4, 2026, Sen. Roger Wicker sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The players

Sen. Roger Wicker

A Republican senator representing the state of Mississippi who has expressed opposition to ICE's plans to build a large detention center in his state.

Kristi Noem

The current Homeland Security Secretary who oversees ICE and its detention facility operations.

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and detention.

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What they’re saying

“It has come to my attention that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is in the final stages of acquiring a warehouse facility in Byhalia, Mississippi, and intends to convert it into an ICE detention center. I write to express my opposition to this acquisition and the proposed detention center.”

— Sen. Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator from Mississippi

“Converting this industrial asset into an ICE detention center forecloses economic growth opportunities and replaces them with a use that does not generate comparable economic returns or community benefits.”

— Sen. Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator from Mississippi

“Detention facilities impose substantial and specialized infrastructure demands—including transportation access, water, sewer and energy costs, staffing, medical care, and emergency services. From my understanding, the ICE detention facility would have a capacity exceeding 8,500 beds. Existing medical and human services infrastructure in Byhalia is insufficient to support such a large detainee population. Establishing a detention center at this site would place significant strain on local resources.”

— Sen. Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator from Mississippi

What’s next

It is unclear if ICE will heed Sen. Wicker's opposition and reconsider the Byhalia detention center plans. The senator's letter could prompt further scrutiny and debate over the expansion of ICE detention facilities nationwide.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing bipartisan resistance to the proliferation of large-scale ICE detention centers, which have faced longstanding criticism over human rights abuses and the strain they place on local communities. Sen. Wicker's stance shows that even Republican lawmakers are willing to challenge the administration's immigration enforcement agenda when it threatens to negatively impact their constituents.