In brief
The Department of Homeland Security has paused its plans for the acquisition of new warehouses intended for immigrant detention facilities. This decision, aimed at scrutinizing past contracts signed under former Secretary Kristi Noem, comes shortly after Markwayne Mullin's appointment as the new Secretary. The agency is reviewing its policies and exploring ways to better engage with community leaders, especially in light of opposition from local residents against such facilities.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is temporarily halting the acquisition of new warehouses designated for housing immigrants while it reviews all contracts established under former Secretary Kristi Noem. This announcement comes mere days after Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as the new Homeland Security Secretary.
A senior DHS official, speaking anonymously, stated that existing contracts for warehouses already purchased are also under examination. This pause reflects an agency's transition more focused on community collaboration, as Mullin expressed during his confirmation hearing his intent to 'work with community leaders' to foster better partnerships.
Secretary Mullin is inheriting a major initiative to boost the detention capacity to 92,000 beds, intended to facilitate the housing of large numbers of detainees. Under the previous administration, the DHS executed contracts worth $1.074 billion, acquiring 11 warehouses across multiple states including Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and more.
However, the program has faced persistent opposition from various communities, concerned about the impact of ICE’s detention facilities and their strain on local resources. Plans have already seen modifications, such as reducing the planned capacity of one warehouse in Arizona from 1,500 to 542 beds. Local officials have often expressed frustration over the DHS’s lack of communication regarding facility placements in their communities.
Amid lawsuits pending in several states and setbacks in previous acquisitions, Secretary Mullin has acknowledged the challenges faced by the department. He has emphasized the need for community-inclusive discussions to gauge and address local infrastructure capabilities regarding waste and water management.
As the DHS shifts its approach, it remains to be seen how these changes will influence the ongoing deportation policies associated with the previous administration's agenda.
This article was first published on March 31, 2026, and updated to correct information regarding the mayor of Surprise, Arizona.
