U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has finalized the purchase of a large warehouse and property in Social Circle, Georgia, previously proposed as an industrial site. City officials confirmed the transaction Sunday, noting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security now owns the site at 1365 E. Hightower Trail.

Local leaders learned the property, once slated for a 1.3-million-square-foot warehouse, is now earmarked for a detention facility capable of holding 5,000 to 10,000 individuals. Rep. Mike Collins's office indicated housing could begin as early as April, though the city has received no formal planning input.

Social Circle's leadership and residents fiercely oppose the plan, citing insufficient water and sewer capacity for a population effectively tripling their 5,000 residents. Mayor David Keener stated the city lacks safe distances from homes and schools, calling the proposal infeasible and a security risk the community will not tolerate.

Quick Fact: The facility would hold 5,000-10,000 people.