ICE Reverses Course on Lebanon, Tennessee Detention Facility

Agency says it has not purchased property in the city despite previous statements

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reversed course and stated that it has not purchased a detention facility in Lebanon, Tennessee, despite previous statements from the agency confirming such a plan. The reversal came after an uproar from local and state officials who were unaware of the supposed plan.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the lack of transparency and communication between ICE and local communities when it comes to the agency's plans to expand its detention capabilities across the country. It also raises concerns about ICE's decision-making process and the potential impact of such facilities on small towns like Lebanon.

The details

On Friday, an ICE spokesperson confirmed to the Tennessee Lookout that the agency had purchased property in Lebanon as part of a nationwide $38.3 billion plan to acquire warehouses and turn them into large-scale immigrant detention centers. However, by Tuesday evening, the agency sent out an email retracting its previous statements, saying the initial announcement "was sent without proper approval" and that the "mistake has since been rectified." ICE did not provide a clear explanation for the reversal or whether it still has plans to build a detention facility in Lebanon.

  • On Friday, a Tennessee Lookout reporter emailed ICE about potential plans for detention facilities in the state.
  • On Monday and Tuesday, ICE confirmed to multiple news outlets the plan for a Lebanon facility.
  • By Tuesday evening, ICE retracted its previous statements about the Lebanon facility.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

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

Wilson County

The county where the city of Lebanon, Tennessee is located, and whose officials were unaware of ICE's supposed plans for a detention facility in the city.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

ICE has not provided a clear timeline or plan for any potential future detention facility in Lebanon, Tennessee. Local and state officials have expressed concerns about the lack of communication and transparency from the agency.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between ICE's efforts to expand its detention capabilities and the lack of engagement with local communities that will be impacted by such facilities. It underscores the need for greater transparency and communication between federal immigration enforcement agencies and the towns and cities where they seek to operate.