ICE Secretly Buying Warehouses for Detention Centers Across U.S.

Immigration agency purchasing large facilities in unsuspecting communities without local leaders' knowledge

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is purchasing dozens of warehouses across the country to convert into large immigration detention facilities, sometimes without the knowledge of local community leaders. The agency plans to spend $38.3 billion to increase detention beds to 92,600 nationwide, with at least 20 communities slated for these new warehouse-based detention centers that can hold upwards of 10,000 people each.

Why it matters

This expansion of immigration detention capacity in secret and without local input raises concerns about transparency, community impact, and the federal government's approach to immigration enforcement. Critics argue these large, remote detention centers can isolate detainees from legal and social support networks.

The details

ICE has already purchased warehouses for detention use in places like Socorro, Texas; Lebanon, Tennessee; Social Circle, Georgia; and Durant, Oklahoma. The agency is sometimes buying these facilities through third-party brokers to avoid detection by local officials until the sales are finalized. In some cases, city council members say they were not made aware of ICE's plans to use the warehouses for detention until after the purchases were complete.

  • In February 2026, ICE announced plans to spend $38.3 billion to increase detention beds to 92,600 nationwide.
  • In recent months, ICE has purchased warehouses for detention use in several communities across the U.S.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement and detention.

David Hernandez

Associate professor and co-chair of the Critical Race and Political Economy Department at Mount Holyoke College, who conducts research on U.S. immigration enforcement policy.

Kelly Ayotte

Republican governor of New Hampshire, who said ICE will no longer pursue plans to open a warehouse detention facility in Merrimack, New Hampshire after community pushback.

Kristi Noem

Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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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.