Story perspectives

Massive $55B DHS Detention Expansion Sparks Outrage and Protests

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security expands detention facilities via a Navy contract that has grown from $10 billion to $55 billion, creating a "ghost network" across the United States with capacity for up to 10,000 per site.
Local protests target proposed sites in Republican-leaning areas.
Senator Chris Van Hollen denounces the plan as inhumane.
The rapid deployment funding raises concerns about immigration policy under U.S. President Donald Trump.

History

Historical Context

In 2019, the U.S. government significantly expanded immigration detention facilities, increasing the Department of Homeland Security's budget from $10 billion to $55 billion. This shift followed President Trump's controversial immigration policies, which began in 2017 and led to a surge in detentions, including a record 13,400 migrants held in custody on March 27, 2019, igniting widespread protests and ongoing debates about human rights.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security expands detention facilities via a Navy contract that has grown from $10 billion to $55 billion, creating a "ghost network" across the United States with capacity for up to 10,000 per site.
Local protests target proposed sites in Republican-leaning areas.
Senator Chris Van Hollen denounces the plan as inhumane.
The rapid deployment funding raises concerns about immigration policy under U.S. President Donald Trump.

1 / 2