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ICE Confirms Sale of Salt Lake City Warehouse, Abandons Detention Center Plans

ICE Confirms Sale of Salt Lake City Warehouse, Abandons Detention Center Plans

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed it is selling its warehouse in Salt Lake City, effectively abandoning plans to convert it into an immigration detention center at that specific location. This announcement was made in a joint court filing by lawyers representing Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and the federal government, requesting a halt to ongoing litigation. The filing stated that the defendants no longer intend to convert the Salt Lake Warehouse into an immigration detention facility and instead plan to designate it as excess property for disposition by the General Services Administration (GSA). Earlier this year, the agencies purchased the warehouse for an estimated $145 million, facing immediate and significant pushback from local residents and political leaders due to its proposed capacity to hold up to 10,000 detainees. A New York Times report in June had indicated that this warehouse was one of seven the government intended to offload.

DHS Sells Salt Lake City Property, Abandons Plans for Immigration Detention Facility

DHS Sells Salt Lake City Property, Abandons Plans for Immigration Detention Facility

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced its decision to sell a large warehouse property in Salt Lake City, Utah, effectively abandoning previous plans to convert it into an immigration detention facility. This development was disclosed in a joint motion filed by Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and DHS as part of a lawsuit challenging the facility's establishment. Federal attorneys informed the city and county on July 17 that DHS no longer intends to proceed with the conversion. The property, an 833,000-square-foot warehouse on nearly 25 acres west of Salt Lake City International Airport, was purchased by the federal government in March for approximately $145 million. It will now be designated as excess and transferred to the General Services Administration for disposition. This move comes after significant opposition from local leaders, including Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, who raised concerns about the impact on city services, utilities, and infrastructure.

‘The streets are empty:’ How Miami’s Little Haiti reacted to losing TPS

‘The streets are empty:’ How Miami’s Little Haiti reacted to losing TPS

In Little Haiti, the largest community of Haitians living in the U.S., the end of TPS has disrupted life at every level.

Edinburg Man Detained by ICE, Family Speaks Out Amid Rising Counseling Demand

Edinburg Man Detained by ICE, Family Speaks Out Amid Rising Counseling Demand

Juan Mejia Contador, a father of four and co-founder of the Contador Mariachi Group in Edinburg, was detained by immigration authorities in La Feria. Contador, who entered the U.S. illegally from Hidalgo, Mexico, in 1996 and re-entered in 1999 after a previous detention and release by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, had a petition filed by his oldest daughter in 2021 to change his immigration status. This petition was initially approved, leading to him receiving a work permit, Social Security number, and Texas driver's license. However, after an interview with immigration officials, his application was denied due to a voluntary departure in 1999. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Contador is in the country illegally and was arrested during a targeted operation, stating he will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings and will receive due process. His wife is a legal permanent resident, and his children are U.S. citizens.

‘The streets are empty:’ How Miami’s Little Haiti is reacting to TPS loss

‘The streets are empty:’ How Miami’s Little Haiti is reacting to TPS loss

In Little Haiti, the largest community of Haitians living in the U.S., the end of TPS has disrupted life at every level.

A quiet channel between ICE and Iran shaped deportation flights, newly released emails show

A quiet channel between ICE and Iran shaped deportation flights, newly released emails show

Emails reveal that Iranian officials had significant influence over which Iranian immigrants in the U.S. were sent back to their home country in 2025, despite tensions between the countries

Army Wife Faces Potential Detention and Deportation at ICE Check-in While Husband is Deployed

Army Wife Faces Potential Detention and Deportation at ICE Check-in While Husband is Deployed

The wife of a U.S. Army soldier is facing potential detention and deportation during a scheduled immigration check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Norcross, Georgia. Her attorney, Tony Kozycki, expressed concerns that she will be taken into custody and ultimately deported, which would separate her from her husband who is currently away for military training. The woman's identity and nationality have not been disclosed. She had previously applied for asylum, which was denied, and has since been under ICE supervision with electronic monitoring, complying with required check-ins. The organization Repatriate Our Patriots, which advocates for deported veterans and military families, connected her with Kozycki Law after her asylum denial. Kozycki and members of Common Defense Georgia plan to hold a news conference outside the ICE facility to draw attention to her case.

Man Sustains Brain Injury and Severe Bruising Following ICE Arrest in Virginia, Prompting Outcry

Man Sustains Brain Injury and Severe Bruising Following ICE Arrest in Virginia, Prompting Outcry

José Mejía Hernández, 45, was hospitalized with a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a subarachnoid bleed, along with severe facial bruising, after being arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Arlington, Virginia. According to his lawyers, Mejía Hernández was walking to a bus stop on August 11 when two agents from an unmarked vehicle chased him. He reported being hit by a stun gun and woke up in the hospital hours later. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Mejía Hernández was stopped by ICE and stated he 'attempted to flee from the scene requiring ICE to use necessary force to gain control of the situation.' The DHS also noted he was taken to a hospital 'out of precaution.' Mejía Hernández, who is from Mexico and in the country without authorization, is now in removal proceedings. His lawyers question the necessity and extent of the force used, as the DHS statement did not accuse him of violence or threatening behavior.

ICE Reverses Plan for Salt Lake City Detention Center Following Local Opposition

ICE Reverses Plan for Salt Lake City Detention Center Following Local Opposition

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has informed Salt Lake City officials that it no longer intends to convert a recently purchased warehouse into a large-scale immigration detention center. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acquired the warehouse at 6020 W. 300 South for $145.4 million earlier this year, with plans to establish a facility capable of holding up to 10,000 individuals. This reversal comes after Salt Lake City and County filed a lawsuit in June against DHS to block the development. Attorneys for all parties have requested a 60-day stay on the lawsuit, during which DHS has committed not to proceed with the conversion. The Salt Lake City warehouse was part of a planned $45 billion expansion of immigration detention centers nationwide. Uncertainty surrounding the project arose after DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was fired, and the agency began reviewing policies under newly sworn-in Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

Chicago DJ and Husband Released from ICE Custody, Face Ongoing Deportation Proceedings

Chicago DJ and Husband Released from ICE Custody, Face Ongoing Deportation Proceedings

Omar David Panqueva Rojas, known as DJ TUNJO, and his husband, Santiago Páez, were released on bond last week from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after being detained in Clay County, Indiana. The couple was arrested on August 2 at Midway Airport while attempting to board a flight to Washington, D.C., where they planned to perform at unofficial after-parties for Colombian superstar Karol G's U.S. tour. They were held for over a week, separated for much of that time, and described their experience as disorienting and traumatic, including being handcuffed and shackled during transport. Both have been fitted with ankle bracelets for electronic monitoring but are permitted to travel within the U.S. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that Panqueva Rojas and Páez were arrested on allegations of overstaying their tourist visas, which expired in March 2022 and September 2022, respectively. They are currently awaiting removal proceedings.

Congresswoman Grace Meng Introduces Bills to Increase ICE Accountability Amidst Increased Enforcement

Congresswoman Grace Meng Introduces Bills to Increase ICE Accountability Amidst Increased Enforcement

Congresswoman Grace Meng has introduced three federal bills aimed at reforming the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and increasing its accountability and transparency. This legislative push comes in response to a reported increase in ICE enforcement activities in Queens, New York, which has led to criticism from Meng and concerns within immigrant communities. The proposed legislation includes the Uniform Standards for Federal Law Enforcement Act, which seeks to codify certain Department of Homeland Security law enforcement policies into federal law to enhance congressional and judicial oversight of individual federal law enforcement officers. Additionally, the Safe Check-Ins for Immigrants Act would allow individuals undergoing legal immigration processes to attend required hearings or check-ins remotely under certain conditions, reducing the risk of detention during routine appointments. The third bill, the ICE Badge Visibility Act, mandates that ICE officers clearly display their badges a...

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Expand Congressional Oversight at ICE Facilities

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Expand Congressional Oversight at ICE Facilities

A group of Pennsylvania representatives, led by Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), has introduced the 'Oversight Access Act of 2026'. This proposed legislation aims to enhance congressional oversight at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities nationwide. The bill would permit members of Congress to bring one staff member, such as an interpreter, legal advisor, or policy expert, into ICE facilities during unannounced oversight visits without requiring prior approval. Currently, while members of Congress can enter these facilities without warning, their staff members must obtain prior authorization. The impetus for this bill arose after Congressman Deluzio and Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) were prevented from bringing their staff, who were immigration policy experts and translators, into the Moshannon Valley Detention Center during an unannounced visit in May. This restriction, according to Deluzio, limited their ability to communicate effectively with detainees. The bill also seeks to p...