The strategy promoted to expand immigration detention capacity faces a new setback. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to sell or transfer seven large facilities acquired for approximately $700 million, according to a report published by The New York Times.

The properties are part of a package of 11 warehouses purchased during the administration of the then Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, for a cost close to $1 billion. The objective was to convert these spaces into centers to process and retain thousands of immigrants while their immigration or deportation procedures progressed.

However, the arrival of Markwayne Mullin at the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) changed the course of the project. According to the report, the new administration chose to stop the expansion and review the viability of several of the facilities.

A millionaire plan that never took off

The warehouses were acquired after a significant injection of federal resources derived from the budget package known as the One Big Beautiful Act, promoted by the Donald Trump administration.

According to government documents cited by the newspaper, some of these facilities were designed to house between 7,000 and 10,000 detainees each and function as strategic points before the expulsion of immigrants from the country.

The properties are located in states such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas. However, several faced resistance from local communities, lawsuits, and government investigations that delayed or prevented their implementation.

Claire Trickler-McNulty, a former ICE official during the Biden administration, questioned the strategy.

“The warehouses have caused serious headaches, with stoppages due to state litigation, an investigation by the General Inspectorate and no opening date in sight,” he told the newspaper.

Research and questions about spending

The decision to divest part of the facilities coincides with an investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General into purchases made during the project.

For its part, the Department of Homeland Security defended its immigration policy and assured that it continues to look for more efficient ways to detain and expel people with criminal records.

“DHS is acting quickly to utilize existing detention space in collaboration with our state and county partners,” the agency said in a statement.

Although ICE will maintain some of the acquired warehouses, the future of the others remains uncertain.