The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is pausing plans to acquire new warehouses for immigrant detention as it conducts a review of contracts signed during the tenure of former Secretary Kristi Noem.

Review of Noem-Era Contracts

The pause, first reported by NBC News, comes as DHS undergoes a transition in leadership. The department stated it is “reviewing agency policies and proposals” as is standard during a change in administration. Current DHS leadership aims to foster better relationships with local communities.

Initial Warehouse Plan and Opposition

The previous plan involved acquiring eight large-scale detention centers, capable of housing between 7,000 and 10,000 detainees each, along with 16 smaller regional processing centers. This initiative faced significant opposition from residents and communities across the country.

Concerns ranged from moral objections to the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities to questions about the strain on local resources like water and sewer systems. Many local officials expressed frustration at learning about the plans only after properties had been purchased or leased.

Current Status of Warehouse Purchases

To date, 11 warehouses have been purchased in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah, totaling a federal expenditure of $1.074 billion. Lawsuits are currently pending in three of these states.

The capacity of at least one facility has already been scaled back. The planned 1,500-bed processing site in Surprise, Arizona, will now be capped at 542 occupied beds, according to Surprise Mayor Kevin Sarter.

Mullin's Confirmation and Infrastructure Concerns

During his confirmation hearing, Secretary Mullin acknowledged issues with the previous approach. He emphasized the need to “work with community leaders” and “be good partners.”

Mullin, who has experience in construction and infrastructure, highlighted the importance of assessing the capacity of local infrastructure to support these facilities. He stated that municipalities often lack the necessary infrastructure for waste and water management, necessitating collaboration with cities.

Eight potential deals were previously abandoned when property owners decided not to proceed with the sale.