Lebanon Considers 'Mega' ICE Detention Facility

Proposed center would be largest of its kind in the U.S., says Wilson County mayor

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A proposed immigration detention facility under consideration in Lebanon, Tennessee would become the largest of its kind in the United States, holding 14,000 to 16,000 detainees, according to Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto. The announcement has faced backlash from local leaders, including Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell and Hutto, who have insisted Lebanon is not the right location for this type of facility.

Why it matters

The potential construction of a massive ICE detention center in Lebanon has sparked concerns from local officials about the impact on the community, as well as broader debates around immigration enforcement policies and the role of private prisons in detaining undocumented immigrants.

The details

According to Mayor Hutto, the proposed facility would be the largest of its kind in the U.S., holding between 14,000 to 16,000 detainees. ICE has confirmed it is conducting due diligence on a facility along Highway 109 South within Lebanon's city limits, but has not announced any new detention centers in Tennessee. Local leaders, including Mayors Bell and Hutto, have opposed the facility, arguing Lebanon is not the right location.

  • On February 16, an ICE spokesperson told local media the agency had bought a facility in Lebanon.
  • On February 17, ICE responded saying the previous statement was sent 'without proper approval' and that ICE has not purchased a facility in Lebanon.

The players

Rick Bell

The mayor of Lebanon, Tennessee, who has opposed the proposed ICE detention facility in his city.

Randall Hutto

The mayor of Wilson County, Tennessee, who revealed details about the proposed 'mega facility' that would hold 14,000 to 16,000 detainees, making it the largest of its kind in the U.S.

William Lamberth

A Republican leader in the Tennessee House of Representatives who said ICE would be welcomed if it wanted to operate a facility in the state.

CoreCivic

A private Tennessee-based prison operator that has seen a more than 50% increase in the number of ICE detainees in its custody over the past year.

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 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.