Salt Lake City ICE Detention Center Purchase Paused

Homeland Security reviewing all 11 recent detention center contracts across the country

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:50pm

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The $145.44 million purchase of a Salt Lake City warehouse by the Department of Homeland Security for use as an ICE detention center has been put on hold, according to reports. The move comes as the Biden administration reviews all 11 detention center contracts signed under the previous administration, which totaled over $1 billion.

Why it matters

The planned ICE detention center in Salt Lake City has faced significant backlash from the local community, with the mayor and residents arguing it does not belong in the capital city. The pause in the purchase process provides an opportunity to re-evaluate the need and impact of such facilities.

The details

The Department of Homeland Security bought the 25-acre warehouse property in Salt Lake City for $145.44 million in cash last month, with plans to convert it into an ICE detention center. However, the Biden administration is now reviewing all 11 detention center contracts signed under the previous Homeland Security Secretary, including the one in Utah.

  • The $145.44 million warehouse purchase in Salt Lake City occurred last month.
  • The review of all 11 detention center contracts is currently underway.

The players

Erin Mendenhall

The mayor of Salt Lake City, who has vocalized concerns about the planned detention center and vowed to use every tool at the city's disposal to block it.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that purchased the warehouse in Salt Lake City and is now reviewing all 11 detention center contracts signed under the previous administration.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that was set to operate the planned detention center in Salt Lake City.

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What they’re saying

“Let me be clear. A detention center does not belong in our capital city—full stop.”

— Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City

“These will be very well-structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards.”

— Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

The Biden administration will continue its review of all 11 detention center contracts, including the one in Salt Lake City, before deciding whether to move forward with the purchases.

The takeaway

The pause in the Salt Lake City ICE detention center purchase reflects the Biden administration's willingness to re-evaluate controversial immigration enforcement policies of the previous administration. This provides an opportunity for the local community to have a voice in the future use of the warehouse property.