Wilson County Residents Oppose Proposed ICE Detention Facility

Community groups organize meeting to voice concerns over large immigration detention center near high school

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Residents in Wilson County, Tennessee are fighting against a proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility that could house thousands of detainees near Wilson Central High School. The roughly 2 million-square-foot buildings have raised concerns among local leaders and community groups who feel the county is not equipped to handle such a large operation. Several organizations, including the NAACP Wilson County chapter and Wilson County Moms Demand Action, have organized a virtual community meeting to provide information and allow residents to voice their opposition.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention facility has sparked significant backlash from Wilson County residents who are concerned about the impact on their community, especially its proximity to a local high school. Community leaders argue the county lacks the resources and infrastructure to support such a large immigration detention center, raising questions about public safety and the ability to properly care for detainees.

The details

The detention center would be one of the largest of its kind, spanning roughly 2 million square feet and potentially housing thousands of detainees. Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto has expressed doubts about the county's ability to handle such a massive operation. Several local organizations, including the NAACP Wilson County chapter and Wilson County Moms Demand Action, have organized a virtual community meeting to provide residents with information and allow them to voice their opposition to the proposed facility.

  • The community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 7:00 pm.
  • Wilson County leaders first learned of the ICE facility proposal in late 2025.

The players

Dion Jones

President of the NAACP Wilson County chapter, which has helped organize the community meeting.

Randall Hutto

Wilson County Mayor, who has expressed concerns about the county's ability to handle the proposed ICE detention facility.

Wilson County Moms Demand Action

A community group that has partnered with the NAACP to organize the meeting opposing the ICE facility.

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What they’re saying

“We're not equipped to handle this in our community.”

— Dion Jones, President, NAACP Wilson County (wkrn.com)

“It's pretty clear that Wilson County does not want this to happen. And we are taking the time to Learn what we can do to push back against this and take a stand.”

— Dion Jones, President, NAACP Wilson County (wkrn.com)

What’s next

The virtual community meeting on Tuesday evening will allow residents to learn more about the proposed ICE facility and coordinate efforts to oppose its construction in Wilson County.

The takeaway

The proposed ICE detention center has galvanized Wilson County residents and community leaders who are concerned about the facility's impact on public safety, resources, and the overall character of the area. This issue has brought together diverse groups, from faith leaders to elected officials, in a united effort to prevent the construction of what would be one of the largest immigration detention centers in the country.