Arizona attorney general sues to halt ICE facility in Surprise

SURPRISE, Ariz. (CNN, KYMA) - Arizona is taking legal action against ICE as Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claiming it didn't do proper planning before buying a detention center.

Dysart High School senior and Student Body Vice President Cali Overs took her concerns about the new ICE detention center coming to Surprise directly to Attorney General Mayes.

"Many students have told me that they're too scared to go past this area and are switching to online classes," Overs shared.

Mayes says she's heard from many in the community and, after reviewing the issue, is taking action, filing a lawsuit against the DHS and ICE.

"The federal government did zero research on the project," Mayes expressed.

In it, she argues the feds didn't do the proper environmental review, raising concerns about water, sewage, and traffic.

She also says it wouldn't be an appropriate location to house people, pointing out that it's across the street from a storage facility for hazardous chemicals.

"We are worried about the available water flow for fighting a potential fire that could erupt here," Mayes remarked.

ICE bought the massive warehouse back in January for $70 million, but never gave the city or the community a heads up.

Soon after, they hired an outside company, agreeing to pay them $300 million to Retrofit it, but city leaders have repeatedly lamented not getting information about their specific plans.

Chris Judd is a City Councilman, and the property is in his district.

"I'm glad its being taken to the federal level. She asked some of the same questions we have," Councilman Judd spoke.

In response to the lawsuit, ICE said, "Let's be honest about what is happening. This isn't about the environment. It's about trying to stop President Trump from making America safe."