Kris Mayes Sets Deadline for DHS to Explain Surprise Detention Center Plans

Attorney General Kris Mayes (D-AZ) is pressing federal officials for transparency about a warehouse conversion that has sparked community backlash.

Mayes sent a formal inquiry to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem this week, seeking clarity on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) recent warehouse purchase in Surprise, which is planned to be transformed into a holding center for immigrants with capacity for 1,500 individuals.

The building's location has become a major point of contention. It stands roughly 300 yards from people's homes and approximately one mile from Dysart High School, where Hispanic students make up over 60 percent of enrollment. A preschool offering after-school programs is also nearby.

What particularly frustrated local leaders was learning about the purchase after the fact. City officials say no one from DHS gave them advance notice or consulted them about the project.

Cactus Politics reported that community members flooded a recent City Council meeting to voice their frustrations. More than 80 people showed up on February 3rd to discuss their concerns about the warehouse project.

Demanding Answers

Their worries ranged widely:

• How will increased truck and bus traffic affect roads near schools?
• Will the city's fire department, police, and ambulance services face additional strain?
• What about water usage, garbage collection, and sewage?
• Could property prices drop?
• Will construction noise and bright security lights disrupt the neighborhood?

Mayes emphasized that federal agencies must address these questions before moving forward.

This initiative is a bipartisan effort, including Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), and Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), who have also challenged DHS for explanations.

Mayes gave the department a February 17th deadline to respond to her detailed list of questions about environmental compliance, healthcare provisions for detainees, traffic management, and protection of students at surrounding schools.