Full Breakdown
DHS Moves to Offload Salt Lake City Warehouse Intended for Immigrant Detention Center
6/19/2026, 7:26:27 AM
Sale Consideration for Salt Lake City Warehouse
The Department of Homeland Security is reviewing disposition of an 833,000-square-foot warehouse at 6020 W. 300 South in Salt Lake City, bought for $145.44 million in March and slated for ICE detention center. New York Times report says site is one of seven warehouses DHS plans to sell or transfer.
Background & Context
The warehouse was bought under former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem as part of a plan to add 10,000 detention beds. After Noem’s March 2024 removal, her successor Markwayne Mullin placed proposals under review, shifting focus to existing detention capacity.
Data & Statistics
Salt Lake City warehouse cost $145.44 million, spans 833,000 sq ft, and could hold 10,000 detainees. Seven sites total $700 million; other locations include Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Official Statements & Responses
DHS spokesperson said agency stays focused on removing “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens” and will rely on detention facilities. In his confirmation hearing, Secretary Mullin pledged to work with leaders on immigration agenda. Local officials report no formal notice of a sale.
Criticism & Opposition
Opponents say facility would be inhumane and strain water and sewer systems, worsening Salt Lake’s decline. Utah Democratic Party called mass detention “an insult to taxpayers,” and attorney Jim McConkie praised decision to halt project as a moral failure.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local activists staged demonstrations at site. Salt Lake County and the city filed a lawsuit in May to block conversion, and Uproar Utah announced action.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
DHS has not confirmed a sale, and city officials say they have received no notice. New York Times reports warehouse is slated for off-loading, while four sites remain earmarked for conversion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As Secretary (Markwayne) Mullin said in his confirmation hearing: 'I will work with the community leaders and make sure that we are delivering for the American people what the president set out.” — Markwayne Mullin, DHS Secretary (confirmation hearing)
- “We acknowledge with gratitude the decision not to proceed with the detention center in Utah, and we recognize the collective effort of all of those who publicly voice their opposition to this facility.” — Jim McConkie, Attorney, Uproar Utah
- “Mass detention has no place in Utah, at any price,” — Utah Democratic Party spokesperson
- “From day one, DHS has remained singularly focused on removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from the United States and is always evaluating the best methods to do so,” — DHS spokesperson
What’s Next
According to the report, DHS is preparing to sell or transfer the Salt Lake City warehouse, though no official timeline has been announced. The federal lawsuit will proceed, and the agency will continue reviewing the status of the four warehouses still slated for conversion.
