Overview
- New DHS documents describe the Surprise warehouse as a regional processing site with capacity for about 1,500 people held three to seven days, with the new detention model targeted for full implementation by late 2026.
- The federal government bought the 418,000‑plus square foot building near Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road for $70 million and estimates $150 million for retrofits and $180 million for the first three years of operations.
- An economic analysis projects roughly 1,300–1,400 construction jobs, about 500 ongoing jobs, and more than $16 million in annual tax revenue tied to the facility.
- Surprise officials, including Mayor Kevin Sartor and Councilmember Chris Judd, say they were not notified in advance and are seeking detailed information after a packed council meeting drew vocal supporters and opponents.
- DHS says the facility will meet detention standards and has undergone utility and environmental reviews, while legal experts note federal operations can bypass local zoning but may still face federal environmental review processes.