ICE’s $38.3 Billion Plan for New Detention Centers

Documents show ICE plans to allocate $38.3 billion for converting warehouses into detention centers

USCIS expects to invest around $38.3 billion in a strategy to purchase warehouses nationwide and transform them into immigration detention centers that can accommodate tens of thousands of detainees, as revealed in documents sent by the agency to the governor of New Hampshire.

The documents, which were posted on the state’s website yesterday, indicate that the Department of Homeland Security anticipates spending $158 million on refurbishing a new detention facility in Merrimack, with an estimated additional cost of $146 million for operating it over the first three years.

According to a summary of these plans, initially reported by the Washington Post, ICE aims to purchase and convert 16 buildings across the US into regional processing centers, each capable of housing 1,000 to 1,500 individuals at any given time. Additionally, eight larger detention facilities would be able to hold between 7,000 and 10,000 people at once and would serve as “the primary locations” for deportations. Detainees are expected to stay an average of three to seven days at processing sites before being moved to larger facilities where they may remain for about 60 days prior to deportation.

The document states that this new approach is necessary due to a rise in ICE personnel and an expected increase in arrests.

DHS vehicles are seen outside an industrial warehouse recently purchased by ICE in Georgia. Photograph: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images Share

Updated at 13.22 EST

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Before departing for Fort Bragg earlier today, the president commented on the stalled negotiations concerning funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency is approaching a shutdown tonight following demands from Democrats for stricter regulations on federal immigration enforcement.

Donald Trump remarked about Republicans saying, “I know what they want, I know what they can live with.” He continued by stating that Democrats – who have advocated for body cameras on officers, banning masks during duty hours, and requiring judicial warrants – have “gone crazy”.

“They’re radical left lunatics. That’s why their cities are so unsafe,” Trump stated.

ShareGeorge Chidi

As her department faces potential shutdown due to congressional disagreements regarding immigration agents under her authority, Noem held a press conference inside a secure facility in Arizona while transporting journalists there via bus.

Noem mentioned having spoken with Maricopa county recorder Justin Heap before her conference held in Arizona. County supervisors – both Republican and Democrat – have threatened removal proceedings against Heap after contentious interactions over his refusal to answer inquiries from elected officials while his chief staff discussed choosing sides “in the coming civil war”.

Heap has indicated he intends to give Noem access to voter rolls from the county despite strong opposition from elected leaders concerned about protecting personal information from being disclosed.

Noem also met with state senator John Gillette-a far-right Republican and veteran-who had previously called for Democratic congresswoman Pramila Jayapal from Washington State to be executed due to her support of anti-Trump protests back in September 2025.

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Updated at 14.19 EST

George Chidi

The Save America Act would mandate all voters provide proof of citizenship when registering and photo ID when voting. The Brennan Center estimates roughly 21 million US citizens eligible for voting do not have immediate access to either a passport or birth certificate copy.

This legislation requires states share their voter registration lists with DHS so they can be compared against federal databases without placing restrictions on how DHS can use this information. If enacted into law, elections officials could face up to five years imprisonment if they allow someone without proper documentation-regardless if they’re eligible-to register.

Implementation of requirements outlined in the original bill-including proof-of-citizenship measures-would commence immediately forcing states into chaos as they scramble their voting systems accordingly. The White House press secretary claims Trump administration made ‘every good faith effort’ amid looming shutdown

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The President’s remarks came during comments made earlier today after attending various meetings related specifically towards upcoming budgetary issues surrounding maintaining operations within governmental departments such as Health & Human Services (HHS) while contemplating expanding border security enforcement parameters relating specifically towards unauthorized immigrant crossings overall whereas supporting local law enforcement efforts combating illegal drug trafficking activities across our nation thus working collaboratively alongside those tasked directly addressing crises faced daily impacting many communities nationwide including migrants seeking refuge here..

1. The Governor signed executive order declaring emergency status allowing more resources allocated including additional personnel deploying along critical areas where illegal activity occurs frequently thereby reinforcing national priority placed upon safeguarding lives-both citizens & noncitizens alike-throughout America!
2. This includes increased surveillance measures being employed focusing specifically upon areas identified needing heightened attention focused primarily surrounding populations most affected pertaining mostly low-income families suffering economic hardships negatively impacted further exacerbated conditions arising consequently resulting ultimately leading many individuals becoming desperate enough risking everything possible just simply trying feed themselves/families!
3. This initiative reinforces commitment ensuring adequate support services provided helping alleviate burdens experienced amongst these groups while promoting positive engagement encouraging respectful coexistence fostering harmony wherever possible throughout community settings involved everywhere!”