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DHS Expands Detention Capacity Amid Transparency Concerns

2/14/2026

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DHS Expands Detention

On February 12, 2026, DHS bought a large warehouse in Socorro, Texas for $122.8 million.
The plan aims to raise detention capacity to 92,600 beds.
The plan includes 16 regional processing centers and eight large detention centers.
New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte disputed claims by interim ICE Director Todd Lyons about plan communication.
Ayotte said DHS lacks transparency and has not provided details on the Merrimack facility.

Right

ICE Expands Detention

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to invest over $38 billion in a Detention Reengineering Initiative to reach 92,600 beds by the end of fiscal 2026.
The plan would convert 16 warehouses into regional processing centers and renovate eight large detention centers.
Each center would hold 7,000 to 10,000 detainees for up to 60 days to accommodate an expected surge in arrests tied to the hiring of 12,000 new officers.

History

Historical Context

The Secure Communities program, initiated by the U.S. government in 2010, aimed to enhance immigration enforcement through local law enforcement collaboration. By 2011, it had expanded to over 1,210 jurisdictions, resulting in a 400% increase in deportations, with over 400,000 individuals removed annually. The current plans to expand detention capacity to 92,600 beds reflect ongoing efforts to manage rising immigration enforcement demands.

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DHS Expands Detention

On February 12, 2026, DHS bought a large warehouse in Socorro, Texas for $122.8 million.
The plan aims to raise detention capacity to 92,600 beds.
The plan includes 16 regional processing centers and eight large detention centers.
New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte disputed claims by interim ICE Director Todd Lyons about plan communication.
Ayotte said DHS lacks transparency and has not provided details on the Merrimack facility.

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