The Department of Homeland Security has purchased a $70 million building in the Phoenix area to house migrants awaiting deportation.
The 418,000-square-foot facility in Surprise, Arizona, is roughly the size of seven football fields, according to 12 News. The purchase is part of DHS efforts to expand detention capacity as President Trump’s administration continues its immigration enforcement policies.
Border Czar Tom Homan recently said the department plans to “draw down on the number of people” from ICE and CBP stationed in Minnesota, following discussions with state officials.
The city of Surprise stated, “While we do not participate in ICE operations, we also cannot interrupt or prevent their operations.”
State Senator Analise Ortiz criticized the purchase, calling it “abhorrent” and raising concerns about constitutional overreach. “It really should concern all of us,” Ortiz said, “because ICE actions have serious implications for the rights of all people in the U.S., including citizens.”
The purchase comes amid ongoing political debates over immigration enforcement. Democrats continue to push to defund ICE and have called for oversight of ICE operations, while Republican leaders defend the expansion of detention facilities to support the president’s deportation agenda.
Arizona officials have expressed strong opposition to the purchase. Attorney General Kris Mayes has criticized the lack of transparency around ICE operations and highlighted concerns about enforcement actions occurring in local communities, sparking debate across the state.