Archive · 30 Jan 2026
ICE Expands Detention Capacity with Warehouse Conversions
The Trump administration is buying big empty warehouses all over the US to turn them into jails for immigrants.
They've already bought two for $172 million and are looking at 23 more.
These new jails could hold a lot of people, up to 8,500 in one place.
Some people are very upset and have been protesting because they don't want these jails in their towns.
The government says they need more space to hold immigrants they plan to deport.
But others say the conditions might be bad and people could get hurt.
It's a big debate about what to do with immigrants and how to treat them.
ICE is purchasing and converting warehouses into large-scale detention centers across the US.
Two warehouses were bought for $172 million, with plans for up to 23 sites, including one with 8,500 beds.
Protests and local opposition have emerged in several towns where these facilities are planned.
The administration aims to deport 1 million people annually, requiring expanded detention capacity.
Concerns include inhumane conditions, lack of infrastructure, and potential health risks in the new facilities.
- Who
- US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration
- What
- Purchase and conversion of warehouses into immigration detention centers
- When
- Recent purchases and planned conversions
- Where
- Various locations across the US, including Maryland, Arizona, Texas, and others
- Why
- To expand detention capacity for increased immigration arrests and deportations
- Number of Warehouses
- 23
- Cost of Two Warehouses
- $172 million
- Largest Facility Capacity
- 8,500 beds
- Current ICE Custody
- 73,000 people
- Additional Beds Planned
- 76,500
- Deportation Goal
- 1 million people per year
- Deaths in ICE Custody (2023)
- 30+
- Protest Locations
- Hagerstown, Ashland, Oklahoma City, Merrimack, Chester, Social Circle