ICE to Divest Seven Warehouses Acquired for Detention Centers, Including $145M Utah Site
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly planning to divest seven warehouses it had acquired for conversion into immigrant detention centers, according to The New York Times. The properties, including a facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, were purchased for over $700 million. ICE intends to transfer the facilities to other federal agencies or sell them.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated it is evaluating methods to remove criminal illegal aliens and plans to use existing detention space with state and county partners.
Status of Plans
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not directly confirm the divestment but stated it is evaluating methods to remove criminal illegal aliens and plans to use existing detention space with state and county partners. According to a statement provided to KSL, DHS is now focusing on utilizing existing detention space for immigration enforcement. The Times reported that ICE continues to pursue conversion of four other recently acquired warehouses into detention centers.
Salt Lake City Facility
The Salt Lake City warehouse, located at 6020 W. 300 South, was acquired in March for $145.44 million. The 833,000-square-foot facility was intended to hold up to 10,000 detainees. The purchase prompted public demonstrations and a federal lawsuit filed by Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City. A nonprofit group, Uproar Utah, also announced plans for legal action. Salt Lake City leaders have not received official notification from the federal government regarding the reported divestment, according to a city spokesperson.
Reactions
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who took office in early March, stated that agency policies and proposals are under review and that he intends to work with community leaders.
Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla (D-Salt Lake City) described the reported development as "great news," adding that "having something so horrible here in Salt Lake City, Utah does not belong."
Rep. Matt MacPherson (R-West Valley City) expressed disappointment, suggesting the facility could have helped free up local jail space. "I think as long as we have some space that we can start shifting these individuals out of our local jails and into those facilities temporarily until they're dealt with in the immigration side, it's just going to help all law enforcement," he said.
Governor Spencer Cox, who previously expressed support for an ICE facility in the state, declined to comment and referred inquiries to DHS media relations.
Jim McConkie, a lawyer involved with Uproar Utah, expressed gratitude for the reported decision, attributing it to public opposition.