Wilson County Sheriff Opposes Potential ICE Detention Facility

Sheriff cites concerns over public safety and strain on local resources

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan has publicly opposed the potential development of a large-scale immigration detention facility in Lebanon, Tennessee. Bryan cited concerns over the impact on public safety and the strain it would place on local law enforcement and other agencies.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention facility would be significantly larger than any other in the country, potentially housing up to 16,000 people. Local officials have raised concerns about the facility's proximity to schools, churches, and childcare centers, as well as the burden it would place on the community.

The details

Sheriff Bryan wrote in a letter that he is "opposed to the establishment or construction of any type of I.C.E. detention facility within Wilson County." He said the facility's size and scale would create public safety issues and drain local resources. U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell, and other local officials have also come out against the proposed facility.

  • On February 23, 2026, Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan posted a letter on Facebook opposing the potential ICE detention facility.
  • In early February 2026, ICE was reported to be eyeing property along Highway 109 South in Lebanon for the potential 'mega center' facility.

The players

Robert Bryan

The Wilson County Sheriff who publicly opposed the potential ICE detention facility in Lebanon.

Randall Hutto

The Wilson County Mayor who has also spoken out against the proposed facility.

Marsha Blackburn

The U.S. Senator who has joined local officials in opposing the potential ICE detention center.

Rick Bell

The Mayor of Lebanon who has come out against the proposed immigration detention facility.

Clark Boyd

The state Representative who has opposed the potential ICE detention facility in Lebanon.

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What they’re saying

“Let me be clear: I am opposed to the establishment or construction of any type of I.C.E. detention facility within Wilson County.”

— Robert Bryan, Wilson County Sheriff (Facebook)

What’s next

ICE has not yet confirmed its plans for a detention facility in Lebanon, Tennessee. Local officials will likely continue to voice their opposition if the federal agency moves forward with the proposal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tensions between federal immigration enforcement efforts and the concerns of local communities that may be impacted by large-scale detention facilities. The proposed Lebanon facility's size and proximity to residential areas have raised significant alarm among Wilson County officials.