One thing people do not realize is that warehouses are designed with toilet and plumbing facilities for very few occupants. The water and sewer utilities are grossly undersized for this purpose, not to mention that there are many other code differences between these facility types (Industrial vs Residential). It is highly doubtful that the modifications required to bring them into compliance with building codes are being done as the federal government claims exemption from those. They purposely treat these poor people worse than animals. It might be successful in deterring more immigrants, but it is evil, despicable and depraved, just like Trump, Noem and Homan.
100% correct, sadly. In the case of the Washington County facility, it was permitted only for 4x toilets, 4x sinks, 2x showers, and 2x drinking fountains. Essentially, only enough for staff working there.
And the utilities to the industrial parks are not sufficient either, so even if they try to update the building, they would have to run new utilities for blocks, or even miles. It’s a true “shit show”.
Thank you for your excellent reporting. The research and writing is top notch. If I can ever be of help with fact-checking, copy editing, or proofreading (not that your posts show you need this; I'm just volunteering to help out) let me know. I'm a former journalist and freelance writer. In Maryland I'm proud that a bill is advancing in the General Assembly to outlaw 287 agreements between local law enforcement agencies and ICE.
Milwaukee will soon be getting its own 32,000 sq.ft processing center. At this time the new facilities are being renovated with such things as a sally port and high privacy fence on the outer perimeter. It was purchased by an IL company that formed a new Llc for this specific location- Milwaukee Governmental Llc. For the community and city of Milwaukee there was no accountability, public hearing, or zoning ordinances to adhere to. The new owners via the federal government used the Supremacy clause to bypass it all!
What is a supremacy clause (u mean white supremacy?) Did I miss something in the article? Any lawyers out there who can elaborate how the federal govt. can leap-frog over local zoning and public hearings? How do we monkey wrench this? The towns or counties and citizens need to be involved in the process of whether these concentration camps should be built or purchased.
The Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution) establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties constitute the "supreme Law of the Land," overriding any conflicting state laws or constitutions. Federal property cannot be taxed by states or localities, and federal land and facilities are generally not subject to local zoning laws, though the federal government is typically expected to cooperate with state and local frameworks as a matter of policy and good faith.
There are limits to federal supremacy. Where federal property connects to state or municipal utilities, states are not obligated to provide service. And while states cannot strategically withhold utilities to obstruct a legitimate federal operation, that protection is stronger when the federal agency has done its due diligence and negotiated agreements in good faith.
When an agency like ICE bypasses those processes entirely, operating detention facilities without the normal state-level coordination or agreements, it weakens its own legal standing and gives states and municipalities more room to push back than they would otherwise have.
Thank you for this explanation and details. I only hope that there is local oversight eventually. This facility in Milwaukee is considered a processing center for immigrants. There is the ability to detain temporarily and meet for appointments. The owner, (Llc) the building is vague as to how many persons it will hold.
Great Reporting. It’s depressing to realize the billions of tax dollars going into corporate pockets to inhumanly house our neighbors and children. What has become of America, I’m ashamed!
We are trying to fight the opening of the Hamburg, PA and Tremont, PA warehouses scheduled for December 2026 right now. The stealth with which DHS purchased these was alarming. The county commissioners and public had no idea until the deed was being filed for the Hamburg location.
We are trying to find out who is going to be getting contracts to run it or be involved with set up... any tips on how to research this?
I've been scrolling the info here at Project Salt Box all morning and am thankful for the good info you are providing. I think it will be helpful to our organizing. Keep up the good work!
There isn’t an infinite supply of undocumented immigrants. Once they’re all gone, who will be the next group of undesirables that need to be warehoused in concentration camps? You know they’re not going to shut those cash cows down.
One thing people do not realize is that warehouses are designed with toilet and plumbing facilities for very few occupants. The water and sewer utilities are grossly undersized for this purpose, not to mention that there are many other code differences between these facility types (Industrial vs Residential). It is highly doubtful that the modifications required to bring them into compliance with building codes are being done as the federal government claims exemption from those. They purposely treat these poor people worse than animals. It might be successful in deterring more immigrants, but it is evil, despicable and depraved, just like Trump, Noem and Homan.
100% correct, sadly. In the case of the Washington County facility, it was permitted only for 4x toilets, 4x sinks, 2x showers, and 2x drinking fountains. Essentially, only enough for staff working there.
And the utilities to the industrial parks are not sufficient either, so even if they try to update the building, they would have to run new utilities for blocks, or even miles. It’s a true “shit show”.
Thank you for your excellent reporting. The research and writing is top notch. If I can ever be of help with fact-checking, copy editing, or proofreading (not that your posts show you need this; I'm just volunteering to help out) let me know. I'm a former journalist and freelance writer. In Maryland I'm proud that a bill is advancing in the General Assembly to outlaw 287 agreements between local law enforcement agencies and ICE.
Nakamoto is not in the picture anymore.
Correct, I'll make that clearer in the explainer.
Anything about the one in Shakopee MN?
That sale was also canceled!
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/lawmaker-says-plan-for-ice-detention-center-in-shakopee-has-been-abandoned
Was the site in Merrimack, NH also canceled recently?
It sure was!
Thank you for your reporting
FYI: Article about an existing ICE facility in Baldwin, Michigan
https://michiganadvance.com/2026/02/16/powerful-union-federation-says-hell-no-to-ice-ramping-up-presence-in-michigan/
Milwaukee will soon be getting its own 32,000 sq.ft processing center. At this time the new facilities are being renovated with such things as a sally port and high privacy fence on the outer perimeter. It was purchased by an IL company that formed a new Llc for this specific location- Milwaukee Governmental Llc. For the community and city of Milwaukee there was no accountability, public hearing, or zoning ordinances to adhere to. The new owners via the federal government used the Supremacy clause to bypass it all!
What is a supremacy clause (u mean white supremacy?) Did I miss something in the article? Any lawyers out there who can elaborate how the federal govt. can leap-frog over local zoning and public hearings? How do we monkey wrench this? The towns or counties and citizens need to be involved in the process of whether these concentration camps should be built or purchased.
The Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution) establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties constitute the "supreme Law of the Land," overriding any conflicting state laws or constitutions. Federal property cannot be taxed by states or localities, and federal land and facilities are generally not subject to local zoning laws, though the federal government is typically expected to cooperate with state and local frameworks as a matter of policy and good faith.
There are limits to federal supremacy. Where federal property connects to state or municipal utilities, states are not obligated to provide service. And while states cannot strategically withhold utilities to obstruct a legitimate federal operation, that protection is stronger when the federal agency has done its due diligence and negotiated agreements in good faith.
When an agency like ICE bypasses those processes entirely, operating detention facilities without the normal state-level coordination or agreements, it weakens its own legal standing and gives states and municipalities more room to push back than they would otherwise have.
Thank you for this explanation and details. I only hope that there is local oversight eventually. This facility in Milwaukee is considered a processing center for immigrants. There is the ability to detain temporarily and meet for appointments. The owner, (Llc) the building is vague as to how many persons it will hold.
Thanks - Its like eminent domain. With this fed, there is no good faith. No loopholes, huh?
Great Reporting. It’s depressing to realize the billions of tax dollars going into corporate pockets to inhumanly house our neighbors and children. What has become of America, I’m ashamed!
Pam Bondi lobbyied for for profit private prisons
We are trying to fight the opening of the Hamburg, PA and Tremont, PA warehouses scheduled for December 2026 right now. The stealth with which DHS purchased these was alarming. The county commissioners and public had no idea until the deed was being filed for the Hamburg location.
We are trying to find out who is going to be getting contracts to run it or be involved with set up... any tips on how to research this?
I've been scrolling the info here at Project Salt Box all morning and am thankful for the good info you are providing. I think it will be helpful to our organizing. Keep up the good work!
There isn’t an infinite supply of undocumented immigrants. Once they’re all gone, who will be the next group of undesirables that need to be warehoused in concentration camps? You know they’re not going to shut those cash cows down.