Roxbury ICE Facility on Hold, for Now

Incoming Homeland Security Secretary Mullin to Review Contracts and Policies

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:23pm

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A photorealistic painting of a large, anonymous government warehouse building in muted tones of gray and brown, with dramatic shadows and highlights creating a moody, cinematic atmosphere that conveys a sense of political tension and uncertainty.As legal battles over immigration detention centers continue, a sense of unease and foreboding hangs over the proposed Roxbury facility.Newark Today

A proposed $129.3 million ICE detention facility in Roxbury, New Jersey has been temporarily paused pending a review by incoming Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The pause comes as New Jersey has filed a lawsuit to stop the facility, arguing that former Secretary Kristi Noem did not properly consult with state and local officials as required by federal law.

Why it matters

The Roxbury facility is one of 11 warehouses purchased by ICE for over $1 billion, raising concerns about the agency's expansion plans and the impact on local communities. The lawsuit argues the facility would overburden local services and infrastructure, and cites a history of abuse and unsafe conditions at similar detention centers.

The details

The Department of Homeland Security purchased the Route 46 warehouse in the Ledgewood section of Roxbury for $129.3 million as part of a larger $1.074 billion plan to acquire 11 facilities nationwide. At least three lawsuits, including one by the state of New Jersey, have been filed over the facilities, arguing that former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem did not properly consult with state and local officials as required by federal law.

  • The $129.3 million purchase of the Roxbury warehouse was made by the previous DHS administration.
  • The pause on the Roxbury facility is likely temporary to allow incoming Secretary Mullin to review Noem's policies.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

The incoming Homeland Security Secretary who will review the Roxbury facility contracts and policies approved by former Secretary Kristi Noem.

Mikie Sherrill

The Democratic Governor of New Jersey who has joined with local Republican leadership to file a lawsuit opposing the Roxbury ICE facility.

Andy Kim

The Democratic U.S. Senator from New Jersey who questioned Mullin about the Roxbury site during his confirmation hearing.

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security Secretary whose contracts and policies for the Roxbury facility and others are now under review.

Ras Baraka

The Mayor of Newark who remembered former Assemblyman Alberto Coutinho as a 'central pillar' of the city's Portuguese community.

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What they’re saying

“The Trump Administration's plans for a detention facility in Roxbury will not make our residents safer. Instead, this facility will overburden local services and infrastructure.”

— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey

“These types of facilities also have a long track record of abuse, mistreatment, and unsafe conditions.”

— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey

“I would visit the Roxbury site to address [Senator Kim's] concerns if I were confirmed as [former Secretary Noem's] successor.”

— Markwayne Mullin

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Roxbury ICE facility to move forward.

The takeaway

This pause on the Roxbury ICE facility highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the need for greater transparency and community input when it comes to the placement of detention centers. The incoming Homeland Security Secretary's review will be closely watched as the legal battle continues.