U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is aggressively pursuing a $45 billion expansion of its detention center network, but the plan is encountering significant resistance from communities and property owners. The agency has purchased several large warehouses across the country, including a $70 million facility in Surprise, Arizona, and a $128.6 million site in Social Circle, Georgia. However, in many cases, ICE is being forced to abandon deals due to local opposition and owner reluctance.

In Indiana, Opus Holding LLC explicitly stated it is not negotiating for a 275,000-square-foot warehouse after Merrillville raised concerns. Similarly, in Minnesota, owners of warehouses in Woodbury and Shakopee pulled out following public outcry. ICE's rapid acquisitions are often shrouded in secrecy, with communities learning of purchases only after the fact, fueling distrust and legal challenges. The agency's efforts highlight a growing tension between federal detention policies and local autonomy over land use.