Arizona AG Sues to Stop ICE Detention Center in Surprise Over Environmental Review

Congress appropriated $45 billion to ICE in July 2025 for single adult alien detention capacity and family residential center capacity, to remain available for obligation through September 2029. "The Trump administration has run roughshod over federal law in its rush to expand detention capacity across the country," Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement.

" The Atlanta City Council approved a resolution earlier this week opposing the construction or operation of large-scale immigration detention centers in Atlanta. The resolution raised concerns about a recently purchased warehouse in Social Circle, Georgia, that could hold up to 10,000 detainees. DHS paused plans to open the detention center in Social Circle, Georgia.

City Manager Eric Taylor said he read about the pause online and that all ICE detention centers were paused while undergoing a process review. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown filed a lawsuit in March against ICE and DHS after the federal government purchased a warehouse near Williamsport to turn into a detention facility.

The government stated in responding court documents that all necessary reviews were conducted and the plaintiffs' claims did not demonstrate a preliminary injunction would be in the public interest.

A Maryland judge granted a preliminary injunction on April 15 to stop the construction of the detention facility near Williamsport while the lawsuit plays out. CBS News reported that DHS has faced opposition from other cities and states where the federal government plans to open mass detention facilities.

Local officials said the Georgia facility could strain infrastructure like water and sewer systems.