ICE Purchase of Massive Surprise Warehouse Sparks Concern, Support Among Residents and Lawmakers
The City of Surprise said it was not notified about the purchase and emphasized that federal projects are not subject to local zoning regulations.
“SURPRISE, Ariz. — A massive warehouse purchased by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Surprise is drawing a mix of concern and support from residents, advocates and lawmakers, as questions remain about how the facility could be used and when it might open.
ICE purchased the building for $70 million. The warehouse, located near Dysart Road and Cactus Road, is roughly the size of seven football fields. The agency has not said how the property will be used.
‘As long as it’s secure,’ said Brittany Thee, who lives less than 1,000 feet from the warehouse.
‘The things that have occurred are sad and unfortunate, but I’m not against it, I’m not 100% in support of it,’ Thee said.
Her main concern is whether the facility could draw protests to the area.
‘If it gets noisy, then that’s probably going to be an issue for the neighborhood. We all have kids and pets – my dogs are going to go nuts,’ she said.
For others, the concerns are more personal.
Marcus Curley, a Native American who lives nearby, said the presence of a potential ICE facility has changed how he lives his daily life.
‘All of a sudden, they are right down from where I live,’ Curley said.
Curley said he now carries personal documents, including his birth certificate, at all times.
‘I don’t want to end up in jail, miss work. All I’m doing is just being out in public,’ he said.
‘Our whole family, we all went to Staples, got all our records so we’re prepared, just in case,’ Curley added.
Republican state legislators from the area have voiced support for the purchase.
Surprise Rep. Nick Kupper said in a statement, ‘If ICE is able to legally run a detention center to enforce immigration laws, I am fully supportive.’
Republican Majority Leader John Kavanagh also backed the move, calling it ‘…A great idea because it will improve enforcement and offer a modern, air-conditioned space for those awaiting deportation or a due process hearing.’
Advocacy groups, however, say the purchase raises concerns.
‘I’m really surprised that I’m hearing from republicans in the area who are excited to have such a massive facility housing ‘the worst of the worst’ right in their backyard,’ said Brent Peak, co-chair of Northwest Valley Indivisible. ‘If we were talking about a normal prison, I’m almost certain they would not want this there.’
The city of Surprise said it was not notified about the purchase and emphasized that federal projects are not subject to local zoning regulations.
ICE has not responded to questions from 12News about whether the warehouse will be used as a detention center or when operations might begin.
A protest focused on the new facility is planned for 9 a.m. Saturday at Bell Road and Civic Center Drive in Surprise.”
