DHS Presses Pause on Immigrant Detention Warehouse Purchases Under New Leadership

Thu Apr 02 2026 05:24:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Department of Homeland Security halts new contracts for immigrant detention facilities while reviewing those made under former Secretary Kristi Noem, amidst ongoing scrutiny and community pushback.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has paused the purchase of new warehouses intended for immigrant housing, following the appointment of Secretary Markwayne Mullin. This review focuses on contracts established during Kristi Noem’s tenure, which faced substantial opposition from various communities concerned about the implications of large-scale detention facilities. Already, 11 warehouses have been purchased across the U.S., with some local governments expressing shock over the federal government's actions and the potential strain on public resources. Secretary Mullin aims to engage with community leaders as part of efforts to realign the DHS’s relationship with local municipalities.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security is halting the acquisition of new warehouses meant to house immigrants as it reviews contracts signed under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, according to a senior DHS official.

This decision comes shortly after Secretary Markwayne Mullin was sworn in, amidst controversies surrounding Noem’s leadership that were central to former President Trump’s mass deportation agenda.

The official, speaking anonymously, cited ongoing scrutiny of previously executed warehouse purchases, and noted that the DHS is assessing agency policies and proposals during this transition, demonstrating a move towards accountability and community engagement.

Mullin, in his recent confirmation hearing, expressed intentions to collaborate with local community leaders and be a responsible partner. He inherits a $38.3 billion plan to increase detention capacity to 92,000 by acquiring several large and regional processing centers, which has faced criticisms from residents worried about the implications of ICE facilities in their neighborhoods.

So far, 11 warehouses have been purchased across various states, costing a total of $1.074 billion, while legal challenges are pending in several jurisdictions. There are concerns regarding strain on local infrastructure and resources caused by these facilities, prompting a reconsideration of plans, including a reduction in the capacity for one facility in Arizona from 1,500 beds to 542.

Mullin acknowledged in his confirmation hearing that many local officials were unaware of ICE's operational plans until after contracts were secured, which resulted in community backlash. He emphasized the necessity for dialogue with municipalities to ensure infrastructure readiness.

This evolving situation highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration strategies and local community concerns, as the DHS aims to reform its operational blueprint under new leadership.

This story was first published on March 31, 2026, and subsequently updated to correct the name of the mayor of Surprise, Arizona, to Sartor, not Sarter.

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Reported by Hollingsworth from Kansas City, Missouri.

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