ICE wanted to build a detention centre - this small farming town said no
Residents say they support the administration's immigration agenda - but not its plans to build a detention centre in their backyard.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"'Detention centre, not welcome here.'"
— Gareth Fenley , Activist
"'I can't let that happen without knowing what the ultimate impact is going to be.'"
— Eric Taylor , Executive
"'We're still whispering up the chain as much as we can to make sure that if they are indeed reviewing it, we can give input.'"
— John Miller , Activist
"'Detention centre, not welcome here.'"
— Gareth Fenley , Activist
"I can't let that happen without knowing what the ultimate impact is going to be."
— Eric Taylor , Executive
"We're anxious to see what happens out of this review."
— John Miller , Activist
"The federal government supersedes our local controls, but we want to ensure that this facility is developed in collaboration and with consideration for the local community."
— David Gibbs , Politician
"Due to the lack of communication from our federal and state officials, I'm not for this facility. It will increase taxes for our Hall County citizens, and I do not support it."
— Gregg Poole , Politician
"Nobody from the federal government bothered to pick up the phone or even send us any type of correspondence letting us know what’s about to take place."
— Rudy Cruz Jr. , Politician
"I just feel that they do these things in silence so that they don’t get opposition."
— Rudy Cruz Jr. , Politician
"'Detention centre, not welcome here.'"
— Gareth Fenley , Activist
"'We're anxious to see what happens out of this review.'"
— John Miller , Activist
"'I can't let that happen without knowing what the ultimate impact is going to be.'"
— Eric Taylor , Executive
"ICE will continue to ensure that all of the detainees in our custody receive the level of care, service, and medical support they need to match our high detention standards."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"Nobody from the federal government bothered to pick up the phone or even send us any type of correspondence letting us know what’s about to take place."
— Rudy Cruz Jr. , Politician
"I'm all for helping DHS, and I'm behind that to make sure we get rid of these illegal criminals that have been throughout our country, but I also understand Social Circle's concerns, from not just the infrastructure but the resources that may be needed."
— Mike Collins , Politician
"After concluding this meeting here today, I'm even more determined ... To hear from Republicans and Democrats alike expressing opposition to this, I think speaks volumes about how unwanted these facilities are in our communities."
— Josh Shapiro , Politician
Key People
Republican congressman representing Georgia.
Chairman of the Hall County Board of Commissioners.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
The City Manager of Social Circle, Georgia, who is actively involved in the town's opposition to the ICE facility.
A resident advocating against the construction of a detention center in Social Circle, Georgia.
District 3 Commissioner in Hall County.
J.D. Vance is a U.S. Senator from Ohio.
A resident and conservative opposing the detention center plans in his town.
U.S. senator from Georgia.
Governor of Pennsylvania involved in a multi-state lawsuit against the Trump administration.
US Homeland Security Secretary under the Trump administration.
U.S. Representative who expressed support for local concerns regarding ICE detention facilities.
U.S. senator from Georgia.
Republican congressman representing Georgia.
Rudy Cruz Jr. is the mayor of Socorro, Texas.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
Residents say they support the administration's immigration agenda - but not its plans to build a detention centre in their backyard.
An internal inspection report reveals 49 safety and security violations at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, the country's largest migrant detention center.
The Trump administration's rapid expansion of immigration detention facilities through warehouse purchases faces opposition from local communities.
An article highlighting the lack of transparency in ICE's acquisition of properties for detention centers, leading to frustration among local communities.
Residents support the administration's immigration agenda but oppose plans to build a detention centre in their community.
The Department of Homeland Security has paused plans to establish a large ICE detention center in Social Circle, Georgia, following community opposition and infrastructure concerns.
Republican leaders in Social Circle, Georgia, are opposing the establishment of a large ICE detention center, citing concerns over resources and community impact.
The Department of Homeland Security's secretive acquisition of warehouses for ICE detention centers has led to frustration among local communities, including Socorro, Texas.
Republican leaders join Democrats in opposing the administration's plan to rapidly expand immigrant detention by converting warehouses into massive centers.
Residents in Social Circle, Georgia, oppose the establishment of a large ICE detention center in their community, citing concerns over resources and infrastructure.
Residents of Social Circle, Georgia, oppose the establishment of an ICE detention center due to concerns over water supply and infrastructure limitations.
Residents in Hall County, Georgia, are opposing plans for a new ICE detention center in Oakwood, expressing concerns over taxes and transparency in the site selection process.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
I used to live in a quiet area - now a data centre overlooks my garden
With the number of UK data centres set to rise, some communities are concerned about their impact.
August 28, 2026 at 05:11 AMUS judge refuses to force extradition of jailed ICE agent from Texas to Minnesota - Reuters
US judge refuses to force extradition of jailed ICE agent from Texas to Minnesota Reuters
August 26, 2026 at 10:46 PMRight-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos detained by ICE
The British citizen, who lives and works in the US, has supported Trump and ICE agents in the past.
August 29, 2026 at 12:46 AMRight-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos deported from US to UK
The self-styled provocateur had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
August 29, 2026 at 05:52 PMBritish far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos detained by ICE - Reuters
British far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos detained by ICE Reuters
August 28, 2026 at 08:12 PMViolence breaks out in Ceuta as migrant crisis continues
A group of migrants is accused of throwing stones at a military vehicle, while some locals set fire to their camps on the beach.
August 28, 2026 at 04:30 PM