Report: ICE Plots Massive New Detention Hub
The proposed mega detention centers highlight the lengths to which it is willing to go to carry out mass deportations.
In a controversial move, the Trump administration is exploring the purchase of massive warehouses, originally designed for companies like Amazon, to convert them into detention facilities for immigrants awaiting deportation.
This initiative, described by officials as a plan to create “mega detention centers,” could significantly increase the government’s capacity to detain immigrants.
The Plan: Warehouses Near Airports
According to officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the White House, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is considering warehouses located in the southern U.S., strategically near airports frequently used for deportations.
The facilities, averaging over 800,000 square feet, more than double the size of current ICE detention centers, are expected to streamline deportation processes.
While the specific warehouses under consideration remain undisclosed, officials clarified that these properties were built with Amazon in mind but were never used or leased by the company. Amazon has confirmed it is not involved in any discussions with ICE or DHS regarding these warehouses.
A Shift in Detention Strategy
If finalized, this plan would mark a departure from ICE’s traditional reliance on private prison contractors. Instead, the government would own and operate these facilities directly, using funds from a budget reconciliation package signed earlier this year. This approach aligns with the administration’s broader goal of ramping up immigration enforcement and detention efforts.
The Trump administration has faced challenges in meeting daily arrest quotas and staffing goals for ICE, leading to a series of unconventional detention strategies. Earlier this year, the administration attempted to house immigrants in tents at Guantanamo Bay and Fort Bliss, Texas, with mixed results. The proposed warehouse conversions represent the latest effort to address these challenges on a larger scale.
Public Opinion and Political Implications
The plan has sparked debate, reflecting the polarized views on immigration policy. Recent polls show that while 51% of voters believe the Trump administration has met expectations on border security, 44% feel it has fallen short. Additionally, ICE’s public image remains divisive, with 39% of voters viewing the agency favorably and 50% unfavorably.
As the administration continues to pursue its immigration agenda, the proposed mega detention centers highlight the lengths to which it is willing to go to fulfill campaign promises of mass deportations. Whether this strategy will succeed, or face further hurdles, remains to be seen.
JOIN TODAY & Get 10% Off A Daily Chela Insider Subscription For A Year!
Subscribers Get Exclusive News, Videos & Stories:
Our mission is to provide a platform for Mexican Americans, and cover news with the depth and context it deserves.
Here’s how you can help:
Make a Small Monthly Contribution: Your financial support will help us cover operational costs, pay our dedicated team, and expand our reach to more readers.
How To Support:
To subscribe, click on the button below. Thank you for your support and for believing in the power of independent media. Together, we can make sure that every voice is heard and every story is told.