ICE Rapidly Expanding Presence Across US, Documents Show

Federal records reveal over 150 new ICE offices and expansions in nearly every state, often near sensitive locations.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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According to documents obtained by WIRED, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been carrying out a secret campaign to rapidly expand its physical presence across the United States over the past several months. The expansion includes more than 150 new leases and office expansions in nearly every state, many located near schools, medical offices, places of worship, and other sensitive community sites.

Why it matters

This aggressive expansion of ICE's footprint raises concerns about the agency's growing reach and potential impact on local communities, especially vulnerable populations like children, immigrants, and those seeking medical or religious services. The use of secretive tactics and disregard for standard government leasing procedures also highlights the Trump administration's prioritization of immigration enforcement over other considerations.

The details

The documents show that ICE, with the assistance of the General Services Administration (GSA), has been rapidly leasing new office spaces and expanding existing facilities across the country. Many of these new locations are situated near sensitive community sites like schools, medical offices, and places of worship. For example, in El Paso, Texas, ICE is moving into a large campus near local health providers, while in Irvine, California, the agency is leasing space next to a childcare facility. The GSA has been instructed by DHS to disregard typical leasing procedures and even hide some listings due to 'national security concerns' in order to support ICE's expansion.

  • Over the past several months, ICE and DHS have carried out this secret expansion campaign.
  • In September, GSA employees were added to an 'ICE surge' team responsible for finding new office locations and expanding existing ICE facilities across the country.

The players

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for immigration enforcement, including the arrest, detention, and removal of immigrants.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal executive department responsible for public security, including immigration enforcement through agencies like ICE.

General Services Administration (GSA)

The independent agency of the United States government that manages federal buildings and functions as the government's internal IT department, playing a critical role in supporting ICE's expansion.

Marianne Copenhaver

The GSA associate administrator for communications, who stated that GSA is committed to supporting ICE and other 'patriot law enforcement partners' in meeting their workspace needs.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose administration has prioritized immigration enforcement and provided ICE with nearly $80 billion in funding, enabling the agency's rapid expansion.

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What they’re saying

“GSA is committed to working with all of our partner agencies, including our patriot law enforcement partners such as ICE, to meet their workspace needs. GSA remains focused on supporting this administration's goal of optimizing the federal footprint, and providing the best workplaces for our federal agencies to meet their mission.”

— Marianne Copenhaver, GSA Associate Administrator for Communications (WIRED)

The takeaway

This aggressive expansion of ICE's physical presence across the United States, often in close proximity to sensitive community sites, raises significant concerns about the agency's growing reach and potential impact on vulnerable populations. The use of secretive tactics and disregard for standard government procedures further highlights the Trump administration's prioritization of immigration enforcement over other considerations.