DHS Abandons Plan for Massive Georgia Immigration Detention Center
A warehouse purchased for $128 million was slated to hold 10,000 detainees—more than double the town’s population. Facing fierce local opposition and a novel lawsuit, the federal government has pulled out.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has canceled plans to convert a warehouse in Social Circle, Georgia, into a large immigration detention center, according to city officials and Representative Mike Collins. The facility was intended to hold up to 10,000 detainees—nearly triple the town’s population of approximately 5,000.
Background
- Massive Price Hike: In early February, the federal government purchased the warehouse for $128 million. The property sold for just $29.3 million in 2023.
- Economic Impact: The facility was expected to employ between 2,000 and 2,500 people.
- Community Backlash: Residents and local leaders opposed the plans. City Manager Eric Taylor cut off the federal government’s water access to the warehouse in February. Organizations including Indivisible Boldly Blue and Indivisible GA 10 also joined the opposition.
Legal Action & Cancellation
In late May, Social Circle sued the federal government using a novel legal strategy. Shortly after, Taylor reported hearing rumors of a DHS withdrawal.
We hope everything is what it seems to be.
— City Manager Eric Taylor
Sources at DHS and Representative Collins confirmed the news. As of early June, DHS had not provided written confirmation of the cancellation. DHS has reportedly abandoned plans to convert seven warehouses nationwide into detention facilities, according to The New York Times.
A DHS spokesperson stated the agency remains focused on removing "the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens" and is using existing detention space with state and county partners.
Property Status
It is unclear whether DHS will transfer the warehouse to another federal agency or sell it to a private buyer. City Manager Taylor stated he prefers a private sale since federal property is tax-exempt.
Reactions & Next Steps
- Senator Jon Ossoff praised the decision as a result of community opposition.
- The Utah Democratic Party criticized the potential sale or abandonment of facilities as fiscally irresponsible.
- Local officials and opponents in other affected locations, such as Oakwood, Georgia, and Salt Lake City, Utah, said they will wait for official confirmation before considering the project canceled.
DHS did not respond to a request for comment.