Future of Salt Lake ICE Facility Uncertain Amid DHS Review

New DHS leadership under Secretary Markwayne Mullin is reviewing agency policies and proposals, including the planned ICE detention center.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:48pm

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A photorealistic painting of a large, nondescript warehouse building set against a backdrop of urban buildings, with the structure bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, creating a sense of quiet contemplation about its purpose.As the Department of Homeland Security reviews its policies, the future of a planned ICE detention facility in Salt Lake City remains shrouded in uncertainty.Salt Lake City Today

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing agency policies and proposals as it transitions leadership from former Secretary Kristi Noem to Markwayne Mullin. This includes the recently purchased warehouse in Salt Lake City that was slated to become an ICE detention facility. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson has raised concerns about the facility, and DHS has not yet provided clarity on next steps for the project.

Why it matters

The planned ICE detention center has faced significant pushback from local leaders in Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County, who were not consulted during the initial purchase of the warehouse. The facility's large scale and potential impact on the Inland Port development have raised concerns about its compatibility with the community's vision.

The details

DHS confirmed the warehouse will be used as an ICE detention facility, with a capacity for 7,500 to 10,000 detainees. In a letter to DHS Secretary Mullin, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson outlined seven key concerns, including the warehouse not being designated for human habitation, incompatible zoning and land use, and lack of meaningful local and state engagement. Meanwhile, national reports indicate DHS is pausing the purchase of new warehouses intended for ICE use and scrutinizing all contracts under former Secretary Noem.

  • In mid-March, Mullin said during his confirmation hearing that 'We want to work with community leaders. We want to be good partners.'
  • On April 1, Mayor Wilson sent a letter to Secretary Mullin outlining the county's concerns about the planned ICE facility.
  • Last week, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said ICE leadership told her work on the facility could begin in the coming weeks or months, pending a 'due diligence report' on the parcel.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

The newly confirmed Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who has pledged to work with community leaders.

Kristi Noem

The former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, whose policies and proposals are now under review by the new leadership.

Jenny Wilson

The Mayor of Salt Lake County, who has raised concerns about the planned ICE detention facility in a letter to Secretary Mullin.

Erin Mendenhall

The Mayor of Salt Lake City, who met with ICE leadership and said work on the facility could begin in the coming weeks or months.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that purchased the warehouse in Salt Lake City and plans to use it as an ICE detention facility, now under new leadership review.

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What they’re saying

“We want to work with community leaders. We want to be good partners.”

— Markwayne Mullin, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

“The absence of early and substantive consultation with Salt Lake County, the state of Utah, and our federal delegation is deeply concerning. Projects of this magnitude require coordination across all levels of government to ensure responsible implementation.”

— Jenny Wilson, Mayor, Salt Lake County

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security is currently reviewing the agency's policies and proposals, including the planned ICE detention facility in Salt Lake City. DHS has not provided a timeline for when a decision will be made on the future of the warehouse project.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding the future of the planned ICE detention facility in Salt Lake City highlights the challenges of balancing federal immigration enforcement priorities with local community concerns. The new DHS leadership's pledge to work with community leaders will be closely watched as they navigate this complex issue.