Homeland Security Scales Back Plan for Warehouse Detention Centers

The Department of Homeland Security is backing away from a plan to convert empty warehouses into immigration detention centers. The agency had considered the approach as one option for expanding detention capacity. Officials have now indicated the plan will receive less emphasis.

Background on the Proposal The proposal surfaced in agency planning documents earlier this year. It called for using vacant commercial properties to house individuals awaiting immigration proceedings. No specific locations or timelines were released in the initial documents.

Agency statements now describe the warehouse conversion idea as one of several options under review. Officials have not announced a replacement plan or new capacity targets.