ICE Faces Backlash as It Expands Detention Centers Across the U.S.

Some warehouse owners are refusing to sell to the federal agency amid growing community opposition.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been quietly purchasing warehouses across the U.S. to expand its network of detention centers, but the agency's plans have faced significant backlash from local communities and warehouse owners. In multiple states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, and New Jersey, ICE has either purchased warehouses or explored doing so without notifying local officials beforehand. Some warehouse owners have refused to sell to ICE, while others have backed out of deals after public outcry.

Why it matters

ICE's expansion of detention centers has raised concerns about transparency, civil liberties, and the impact on local communities. Many towns and cities are opposing these plans, arguing that they were not consulted and that the facilities could have negative economic and social consequences. The backlash highlights the growing opposition to the federal government's immigration enforcement efforts.

The details

ICE has disclosed plans to spend $45 billion on expanding its detention center network, targeting warehouses in over 20 towns and cities across the country. In some cases, the agency has purchased facilities outright, while in others it has explored potential deals that were ultimately abandoned due to public pressure. For example, ICE paid $70 million for a 418,000-square-foot warehouse in Surprise, Arizona, and $128.6 million for a facility in Social Circle, Georgia, which is expected to house between 7,500 and 10,000 detainees. However, in states like Minnesota, Missouri, and Utah, warehouse owners have refused to sell or lease their properties to ICE.

  • In February 2026, ICE disclosed plans to convert a warehouse in Merrimack, New Hampshire into a 500-bed processing center.
  • Last month, ICE senior adviser David Venturella toured a 439,945-square-foot industrial warehouse in Orlando, Florida, describing it as an 'exploratory' visit.
  • In January 2026, ICE purchased a warehouse about 60 miles northwest of Baltimore, Maryland for $102.4 million.

The players

Kelly Ayotte

The Republican governor of New Hampshire who sparred with federal officials over ICE's plans to convert a warehouse in Merrimack.

Todd Lyons

The interim director of ICE who testified that the agency had worked with Governor Ayotte, a claim she disputed.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of Homeland Security, who agreed to look elsewhere after local officials in Byhalia, Mississippi opposed a possible ICE detention center.

Kris Mayes

The top prosecutor in Arizona who wrote a letter to Secretary Noem about ICE's purchase of a warehouse in Surprise without notifying local officials.

Buddy Dyer

The mayor of Orlando, Florida, who said the city has not been contacted by the federal government about a potential ICE facility.

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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 judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.