City of Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor (R-AZ) called an unscheduled press conference Monday to brief residents on a federal immigration processing facility coming to the city, one that the federal government purchased without notifying local leaders.
After a March 19th meeting with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the city finally got some answers.
"We have moved from a place of zero communication and information to a position of direct communication and coordination," Sartor said.
According to the mayor, DHS confirmed that the facility will operate as a short-term processing center, housing single adults only, with an expected stay of 3 to 7 days.
Operations are expected to begin with roughly 250 individuals per week, with a maximum capacity of 542 beds, likely by the end of September.
Addressing Resident's Concerns
Sartor was direct about one of the residents' biggest concerns: no one will be released into the Surprise community. Those leaving the facility will either be transferred to larger sites in El Paso or Salt Lake City or returned to their point of origin, all while remaining in ICE custody.
On security, DHS described plans for a secure perimeter, 24/7 surveillance, and controlled access, along with medical stations, recreation areas, and private rooms for legal counsel and family visits.
The city also pushed for financial protections. Sartor said DHS proposed reimbursing the city for property tax losses, estimated at around $300,000 annually, and agreed to share site plans, offer facility tours, and establish a community relations board.
Still, not everyone is satisfied. Protesters gathered outside the press conference, and Sartor acknowledged the community's frustration head-on.
"Don't stop," he told residents opposing the facility. "We hear you."
However, he was equally candid about the city's limited options. "The federal government purchased the land," he said. "Whether we want it here or not, they're here."
A formal council discussion is still planned for April 7th, where elected members will weigh in publicly for the first time.
