ICE to Open Second Tennessee Immigrant Detention Center in Lebanon

The new facility is expected to bring over 7,000 jobs and contribute $829.5 million to the local GDP.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has purchased a facility in Lebanon, Tennessee, about 30 miles east of Nashville, to serve as the state's second immigrant detention center. The agency spokesperson provided estimates on the economic benefits the new center will bring to the area, including 7,216 jobs and $829.5 million in GDP contribution. However, state and local officials say they were unaware of the plans until the announcement.

Why it matters

The expansion of ICE's detention network in Tennessee raises concerns about the treatment of immigrants and the impact on local communities. While ICE touts the economic benefits, critics argue that immigrant detention centers can have negative social and humanitarian consequences.

The details

ICE has purchased a facility in Lebanon, Tennessee to serve as the state's second immigrant detention center. No details about the size, scope, purchase price or exact location of the facility were immediately provided. State and local officials, including the Wilson County Mayor and state legislators, say they were unaware of the plans until the announcement. The new Lebanon facility will be part of ICE's expanding network of 'well-structured detention facilities' across the country.

  • ICE announced the plans to open the new detention center in Lebanon on February 13, 2026.

The players

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

Randall Hutto

The Wilson County Mayor, who says he had not heard any information about the plans to build a detention center in the county prior to the announcement.

Mark Pody

A Tennessee state senator who represents the area where the new detention center will be located and says he was unaware of the plans.

Clark Boyd

A Tennessee state representative who represents the area where the new detention center will be located and says he was unaware of the plans.

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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)

What’s next

The Wilson County Assessor of Property has no record of a final purchase for the facility, so further details about the plans are still unclear. State and local officials say they will seek more information from ICE about the new detention center.

The takeaway

The expansion of ICE's detention network in Tennessee highlights the ongoing debate over the treatment of immigrants and the impact of these facilities on local communities. While ICE touts the economic benefits, critics argue that immigrant detention centers can have significant social and humanitarian consequences that must be carefully considered.