ICE is quietly buying warehouses for detention centers and leaving local officials out of the loop
Associated Press
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A newly built warehouse is seen on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Social Circle, Ga., where officials are concerned about U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement's plans connected to a $45-billion expansion of immigrant detention centers. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)Mayor Rudy Cruz Jr., right, listens to public comments at a City Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Socorro, Texas, regarding the purchase of three hulking warehouses in connection with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's expansion of immigrant detention centers. (AP Photo/Morgan Lee)A public comment session takes place at a City Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Socorro, Texas, regarding the purchase of three hulking warehouses in connection with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's expansion of immigrant detention centers. (AP Photo/Morgan Lee)Three hulking warehouses light up the night in Socorro, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, amid concern about the purchase of the property by federal authorities in connection with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements $45-billion expansion of immigrant detention centers. (AP Photo/Morgan Lee)A warehouse purchased by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Surprise, Ariz., is seen Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)
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A newly built warehouse is seen on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Social Circle, Ga., where officials are concerned about U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement's plans connected to a $45-billion expansion of immigrant detention centers. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)