ICE Faces Pushback From Warehouse Owners Across the U.S.

Some communities complain the agency isn't transparent about its plans to expand detention centers.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been quietly targeting more than 20 towns with large warehouses as part of a $45 billion expansion of its detention centers. However, some warehouse owners are refusing to sell their properties to ICE after learning of the agency's plans. Local officials in several states have also expressed concerns about the lack of transparency from ICE regarding these potential acquisitions.

Why it matters

The expansion of ICE detention centers has faced significant backlash from immigrant advocates and local communities who are concerned about the human rights implications and the lack of oversight. This latest effort to acquire warehouses for detention purposes without notifying local authorities has further stoked those concerns and sparked resistance from property owners unwilling to be involved.

The details

ICE has been purchasing or attempting to purchase warehouses in multiple states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. In some cases, the agency has completed purchases without informing local officials until after the fact. In other instances, warehouse owners have refused to sell their properties to ICE after learning of the agency's intentions.

  • In February 2026, ICE began its efforts to acquire warehouses across the U.S. for detention center expansion.
  • Over the past several months, local officials and warehouse owners have become aware of ICE's plans and have started pushing back against the agency's efforts.

The players

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States, which is currently undertaking a $45 billion expansion of its detention center network.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE.

Kris Mayes

The Attorney General of Arizona, who has expressed concerns about ICE's lack of transparency regarding its warehouse purchases in the state.

Buddy Dyer

The Mayor of Orlando, Florida, who stated that the city has not been contacted by the federal government about a potential ICE facility in the area.

Andrew Clyde

A Republican U.S. Representative from Georgia who said plans are in the works to convert a warehouse in Oakwood into an ICE processing facility.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The issue of ICE's warehouse acquisitions is ongoing, with local officials and property owners continuing to push back against the agency's efforts. It remains to be seen whether ICE will be able to successfully expand its detention center network through these warehouse purchases or if the resistance will force the agency to reconsider its plans.

The takeaway

The expansion of ICE detention centers has faced significant community opposition, and this latest effort to quietly acquire warehouses for that purpose has only heightened those concerns. The lack of transparency from ICE and the willingness of some property owners to refuse sales have underscored the deep divisions over immigration enforcement in the United States.