Salt Lake City Sues DHS to Block Immigrant Detention Center

Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County filed a federal lawsuit on Monday, June 8, 2026, to prevent the United States Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement from converting a massive warehouse into an immigrant detention center. The proposed facility, purchased in March for $145.4 million, could hold between 7,500 and 10,000 people, more than double the capacity of the Utah State Correctional Facility.

Local leaders allege the federal government violated the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act by failing to conduct environmental reviews or consult local officials. Mayors Erin Mendenhall and Jenny Wilson cited concerns over air quality, the potential spread of measles, and extreme strain on water and sewer utilities.

The purchase was part of a $38.3 billion initiative led by former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to acquire 11 warehouses for over $1 billion to increase deportation efficiency. Current DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has since paused the plan pending a review of agency policies and an investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General into potential waste. Similar legal challenges have already stalled or blocked similar projects in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.