DHS Confirms Surprise, Arizona Warehouse Planned as ICE Intake Site Targeting Late FY 2026 Opening
The facility would process 500 to 1,500 people for three to seven days before transfer to larger centers.
Overview
- Located near Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road, the site would operate as an intake and transfer hub feeding larger detention facilities.
- Secretary Kristi Noem said the operation would follow ICE National Detention Standards, include a fully staffed medical unit, reimburse local emergency services, and maintain robust security.
- DHS described the project as an active procurement with no final operational decisions, and Rep. Paul Gosar says the partial shutdown is limiting a firm start date.
- Federal records show a $70 million purchase, about $150 million planned for retrofits, and roughly $180 million projected for the first three years of operations.
- DHS confirmed there was no direct contact with Surprise or Maricopa County before site selection, and documents describe the location as one of 16 proposed processing sites nationwide.