Republican Senator Opposes Planned ICE Detention Center in Mississippi

Senator Roger Wicker cites concerns over public safety, medical capacity, and economic impacts on local community.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Republican U.S. Senator Roger Wicker has expressed opposition to the Trump administration's plan to open an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Byhalia, Mississippi. Wicker cited concerns over the town's lack of necessary medical and human services infrastructure to support such a large detainee population, as well as the potential negative impact on economic development opportunities in the area.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention center has sparked concerns among local residents and officials about the facility's impact on public safety, medical resources, and the town's economic future. As the senior Mississippi representative in the U.S. Senate, Wicker's opposition carries significant weight and could potentially influence the administration's decision.

The details

The Trump administration is in the final stages of acquiring a warehouse facility in Byhalia, Mississippi, that it intends to convert into a federal immigration detention center. The proposed facility would have a capacity of more than 8,500 beds, which Wicker argues the town is not equipped to handle in terms of medical and human services infrastructure.

  • On February 4, 2026, Senator Roger Wicker sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressing his opposition to the planned ICE detention center.

The players

Roger Wicker

Republican U.S. Senator representing Mississippi and the senior Mississippi representative in the U.S. Senate.

Kristi Noem

Homeland Security Secretary in the Trump administration.

Donald Trump

President of the United States during whose second term the planned ICE detention center was proposed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While I support the enforcement of immigration law, I write to express my opposition to this acquisition and the proposed detention center.”

— Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator (ksgf.com)

“Many of my constituents have voiced concerns regarding the public safety, medical capacity, and economic impacts this center would impose on their communities. Proceeding with this acquisition without adequately addressing these issues disregards community input.”

— Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to Senator Wicker's letter, and it remains to be seen whether the Trump administration will move forward with the planned ICE detention center in Byhalia, Mississippi.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government's immigration enforcement priorities and the concerns of local communities that may be impacted by the establishment of large-scale detention facilities. Senator Wicker's opposition reflects the need for the administration to carefully consider the potential consequences of such facilities on public services, the local economy, and community input.