Wilson County Sheriff Opposes Proposed ICE Detention Facility

The discussed facility would house between 14,000 and 16,000 detainees, making it one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan has expressed his opposition to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility being constructed in Lebanon, Tennessee. The proposed facility would be one of the largest of its kind in the nation, housing between 14,000 and 16,000 detainees, and the sheriff is concerned about the significant impact it would have on local law enforcement resources, emergency services, transportation infrastructure, and community planning.

Why it matters

The size and scope of the proposed ICE detention facility has raised concerns among local residents, particularly regarding its proximity to schools, churches, and childcare facilities. As the county's top law enforcement official, the sheriff's opposition highlights the potential challenges and disruptions the facility could bring to the community.

The details

According to the sheriff, while no purchase has been made by ICE, the agency is conducting 'due diligence' on a site along the Highway 109 South corridor in Lebanon. The sheriff clarified that this is not a debate about the mission of ICE, but rather about whether Wilson County is the appropriate location for a facility of this magnitude.

  • In February 2026, WSMV4 began inquiring about information regarding an ICE facility coming to Lebanon.
  • On the same day, an ICE spokesperson initially confirmed the facility, along with several projections for jobs and economic benefits, but a third ICE spokesperson later walked back the confirmation, stating the earlier statement was made 'without proper approval'.

The players

Robert Bryan

The Wilson County Sheriff who has expressed his opposition to the proposed ICE detention facility.

ICE

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that is considering the construction of a large detention facility in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The size and scope being discussed — housing between 14,000 and 16,000 detainees — would make this one of the largest facilities of its kind in the nation.”

— Robert Bryan, Wilson County Sheriff (wsmv.com)

“The proposed site's proximity to schools, churches and childcare facilities raises understandable concerns among families. As sheriff, my first priority is the safety and security of our residents, particularly our children. Any project that alters the public safety landscape on this level requires careful and transparent evaluation.”

— Robert Bryan, Wilson County Sheriff (wsmv.com)

What’s next

The sheriff's office has stated it will continue to seek information, engage in dialogue with local and federal partners, and advocate for what they believe best protects the safety and stability of Wilson County.

The takeaway

The proposed ICE detention facility in Lebanon has sparked significant opposition from the Wilson County Sheriff, who is concerned about the facility's size, scope, and potential impact on the local community. This highlights the complex and often contentious issues surrounding immigration enforcement and the placement of large-scale detention centers.