Warehouse bought by ICE in Arizona draws mixed reaction
SURPRISE, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA) - A massive warehouse purchased by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Surprise, Arizona is drawing a mix of concern and support from residents, advocates and lawmakers, as questions remain about how the facility could be used and when it might open.
It's the size of seven football fields.
ICE hasn't said how it will be used, but for people living near Dysart and Cactus road, the purchase is raising questions.
Surprise resident Brittany Thee lives less than 1,000 feet from the warehouse.
"The things that have occurred are sad and unfortunate but I'm not against it, I'm not 100% in support of it," Thee expressed.
Her main concern whether the facility will draw protesters.
"If it gets noisy, then that's probably going to be an issue for the neighborhood. We all have kids and pets my dogs are going to go nuts," Thee remarked.
But for Marcus Curley, a Native American who lives nearby the facility, represents something more personal. He now carries personal documents, including his birth certificate at all times.
"I don't want to end up in jail. Our whole family, we all went to staples, got all our records so we're prepared, just in case," Curley shared.
Republican state legislators from the area are backing the purchase.
State Rep. Nick Kupper (R-District 25) said, "If ICE is able to legally run a detention center to enforce immigration laws, I am fully supportive."
Republican Majority Leader John Kavanaugh called it "a great idea because it will improve enforcement and offer a modern, air-conditioned space for those awaiting deportation or a due process hearing."
"I'm really surprised that I'm hearing from Republicans in the area who are excited to have such a massive facility housing 'the worst of the worst' right in their backyard," said Brent Peak, co-chair of the Northwest Valley Indivisible.
The City of Surprise says it was not notified about the purchase and federal projects are not subject to local zoning regulations.
ICE has not responded to questions from an NBC affiliate in the Phoenix area about whether the warehouse will be used as a detention center or when operations might begin.
