Surprise AZ – February 21, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What federal facility is being established in Surprise, Arizona?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is converting a 418,400-square-foot warehouse into a federal immigration processing and detention facility with approximately 1,500 beds.
When was the warehouse in Surprise acquired for the ICE facility?
The Department of Homeland Security purchased the warehouse for over $70 million on January 23, 2026.
Where is the proposed ICE detention facility located in Surprise?
The facility is located near Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road, about a mile from a local high school and 300 yards from residential homes.
What actions are being taken by Arizona officials regarding the Surprise ICE facility?
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is investigating the facility for potential public nuisance violations and has sent a letter to DHS demanding information.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has purchased a large warehouse in Surprise, Arizona, to establish a federal immigration processing and detention facility. The acquisition, near residential areas and a high school, has triggered strong opposition from local officials and residents, prompting the Arizona Attorney General to consider legal action.
Controversy Surrounds Surprise Warehouse Acquisition for Federal Immigration Facility
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has acquired a significant warehouse in a residential area of Surprise, Arizona, a Phoenix suburb, with plans to convert it into a federal immigration processing and detention facility. This move has generated strong opposition from local officials and residents, leading Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to consider legal action to challenge the project.
Details of the Proposed Surprise Detention Center
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) completed the purchase of the 418,400-square-foot warehouse for over $70 million on January 23, 2026. ICE subsequently confirmed its intention to establish a processing facility with approximately 1,500 beds at the site. The location, near Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road, is situated about a mile from a high school where more than 60 percent of students are Hispanic, and approximately 300 yards from residential homes. It is also in proximity to various neighborhoods, grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. While initial reports suggested the facility could house up to 7,000 to 10,000 detainees for extended periods, Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor indicated expectations for a regional processing center housing 1,000 to 1,500 detainees.
What Actions are Local and State Officials Taking?
Surprise City officials and residents expressed being uninformed about the federal acquisition prior to the transaction. On February 3, 2026, a city council meeting saw over 80 residents voice their concerns regarding the proposed detention center. The Surprise City Council, along with Mayor Kevin Sartor, drafted a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons in early February 2026, seeking clarification on the facility’s intended use and requesting an in-person meeting. The city acknowledged its inability to interfere with federal operations but emphasized the necessity of intergovernmental communication for local planning and public safety.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes initiated an investigation into the proposed facility, citing potential violations of public nuisance law. In a letter sent to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on February 9, 2026, Mayes demanded comprehensive information regarding the facility’s construction, operational plans, and its anticipated impacts on the local community. Her letter included ten detailed questions covering concerns such as local schools, traffic, noise, water supply, waste disposal, detainee medical care, and potential strain on municipal fire, law enforcement, and emergency services. Attorney General Mayes has previously interpreted public nuisance law broadly in other cases. Several federal lawmakers, including U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, and U.S. Representatives Paul Gosar, Yassamin Ansari, Greg Stanton, and Adelita Grijalva, also sent letters to DHS seeking transparency and information.
Community Concerns Regarding Impact and Resources
The local community has raised numerous concerns, including the potential burden on existing infrastructure, such as water and sewage systems, electrical supply, and local traffic. Residents also expressed worries about light pollution and the general “comfortable enjoyment of life or property” in the community. Furthermore, the federal government’s exemption from local taxes has led to concerns about potential lost annual tax revenue, which could affect the city’s ability to fund services or repay bonds.
The Broader Federal Context for Immigration Detention Expansion
The acquisition of the Surprise warehouse is part of a larger nationwide strategy by ICE, known as the “ICE Detention Reengineering Initiative,” aimed at expanding detention capacity. This initiative is reportedly funded through a federal spending bill. Retrofitting the Surprise facility is estimated to cost $150 million, with operations projected to cost $180 million over three years. DHS estimates that the project will create approximately 1,300 construction jobs and nearly 500 operational jobs annually, potentially generating over $16 million in annual tax revenue. However, the city will lose existing property tax revenue that the federal government is not required to pay. DHS has stated its commitment to complying with federal, state, and local laws and regulations in the operation of its facilities.
Summary of Surprise ICE Facility Development
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Surprise, Arizona (Phoenix suburb), near Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road. |
| Proximity to Community | Approximately 1 mile from a high school, 300 yards from residential homes. |
| Property Acquired | 418,400-square-foot warehouse. |
| Purchase Date | January 23, 2026. |
| Purchase Price | Over $70 million. |
| Intended Use | ICE processing and detention facility with approximately 1,500 beds. |
| Primary Local Concerns | Lack of prior notification, strain on infrastructure (water, sewer, traffic, emergency services), environmental impact, potential lost tax revenue, impact on community well-being. |
| State Legal Action | Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes considering public nuisance lawsuit. |
| Local Government Response | Surprise City Council and Mayor sent letter to DHS requesting information and meeting. |
| Federal Project Cost | $150 million for retrofitting, $180 million for three years of operations. |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
