The Trump administration is exploring a plan to dramatically expand the nation’s immigrant detention capacity by converting unused commercial warehouses into large-scale detention centers. According to a report from NBC News, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is considering acquiring massive warehouse facilities—some more than twice the size of those currently in use—especially in southern regions near major airports to expedite deportation operations.
A White House official confirmed that funding for the project would come from the budget package President Trump signed earlier this year. The plan includes a $45 billion increase in detention and immigration enforcement funding over the next three years, according to Forbes.
Officials emphasized that Amazon is not involved in any potential deals; the warehouses under review were originally constructed by developers with Amazon in mind but were never leased or operated by the company.
This proposal marks the latest in a series of unconventional initiatives by the Trump administration aimed at increasing detention and deportation capacity. Previous efforts to repurpose military bases and construct temporary tent facilities encountered logistical and operational challenges, leaving ICE struggling to meet the administration’s enforcement goals.