PHOENIX — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly purchased a large warehouse in the West Valley last week.
According to azcentral.com, Maricopa County property records show that DHS bought a 418,400-square-foot warehouse located off Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road for more than $70 million in cash on January 23. The Rockefeller Group was the seller, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was also named in the sale.
Notably, a “For Sale or Lease” sign was visible on the exterior of the warehouse as recently as January 20, but it disappeared just three days later.
### Has DHS Commented on the West Valley Warehouse?
So far, DHS has not spoken publicly about what it plans to do with the warehouse. However, an unidentified ICE spokesperson told azcentral.com via email on January 26 that the agency is “actively working to expand detention space,” though there are no new detention centers to announce at this time.
The spokesperson added that ICE has new funding available to expand detention space, thanks to the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
### Background: ICE’s Expanding Detention Efforts
In December, The Washington Post reported that ICE is attempting to speed up deportations by creating a “deliberate feeder system.” Under this plan, new detainees would be booked into processing sites before being moved to one of several large warehouses, where they would be staged for deportation.
Each warehouse is reportedly capable of holding between 5,000 and 10,000 people. One of these warehouses was expected to be located in Arizona, which aligns with reports of the recent purchase in the West Valley.
https://ktar.com/immigration/dhs-purchased-west-valley-warehouse/5814231/
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