Full Breakdown
ICE Announces Offloading of Seven Warehouse Sites Intended for Immigrant Detention
6/19/2026, 11:10:50 PM
Offloading of Seven Warehouse Sites
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that it will dispose of seven of the eleven industrial warehouses ICE purchased for a planned immigration-detention expansion. The properties, acquired for more than $700 million, will be transferred to other federal agencies or sold, according to documents obtained by *The New York Times*.
Background & Timeline
In early 2024, under DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump’s “mass deportation” agenda, ICE bought 11 warehouses nationwide for roughly $1 billion, aiming to create up to 92,600 detention beds. By March 2025 Noem was removed and succeeded by former Oklahoma senator Markwayne Mullin, who publicly questioned the “signature initiative.” In June 2026 the Times reported the reversal, noting that four sites remain slated for conversion while seven are slated for offload.
Data & Statistics
- Total cost of the seven offloaded sites: > $700 million.
- Purchase prices: Salt Lake City (Utah) $145.44 M; Berks County (PA) $87.4 M; Schuylkill County (PA) $119 M; two Pennsylvania sites together $207 M; other sites in Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey.
- Planned capacities ranged from 1,500 detainees (Berks) to up to 10,000 detainees (Salt Lake City).
- ICE’s original plan would have added roughly 8,000–10,000 beds per warehouse.
Official Statements & Responses
DHS reiterated its focus on “removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens” and emphasized a shift to “existing detention space with our state and county partners.” Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County officials said they have received no direct notice of the offload. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro warned that the projects would “literally run out of water,” while Senator John Fetterman expressed “deep concern.” Congressman Dan Meuser declined comment, noting he is in “close contact with DHS Secretary Mullin.”
Criticism & Opposition
Local officials, community groups such as Uproar Utah and ICE Out Upper Bern, and bipartisan legislators argued the warehouses would strain water, sewer, fire and police services and impose $200,000–$600,000 in annual tax losses on counties. Environmental groups cited a lack of state environmental review, prompting orders from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to halt water and sewer service.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents of Tremont Township, Pennsylvania, described the news as “relief” after months of protests. In Utah, lawyer Jim McConkie praised the Times report as “solid” and thanked opponents for “publicly voicing their opposition.” Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach said he “has had zero communication from DHS” and plans to contact Congressman Meuser.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on how many warehouses remain active: *The New York Times* cites four sites still moving forward, while other outlets list four specific locations (two in Texas, one in Arizona, one in Maryland) without confirming their status. The Salt Lake City lawsuit remains pending, and DHS has not confirmed whether the Utah property will be sold or transferred.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
- “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, 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
- “Its been a long six months so we just want to catch our breath a bit,” — Lara Wiscount, Tremont resident
- “I'm glad that DHS has concluded that Social Circle is not the right place for this type of facility,” — Eric Taylor, city manager, Social Circle, Georgia
What’s Next
The General Services Administration will oversee any sale or transfer, while the DHS Office of Inspector General continues a probe into the original procurement. Local governments are preparing tax-impact analyses, and community groups plan to monitor the disposition of the properties for potential litigation.
