DHS to Sell or Transfer Seven Immigration Detention Warehouses, Including Two in Pennsylvania
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to sell or transfer seven of 11 warehouses originally purchased by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigrant detention, according to a New York Times report. This offloading includes two sites in Pennsylvania as the agency shifts toward using existing state and county detention spaces to facilitate removals.
Why is DHS selling these detention warehouses?
DHS is moving away from taxpayer-funded new construction in favor of utilizing existing detention capacity. In a statement provided to ABC27 News, the agency said it remains focused on removing “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens” from the U.S. and believes these individuals should be removed “at lightning speed” rather than being housed on American soil at the taxpayer’s expense.
The agency stated it is now moving to utilize existing detention space through partnerships with state and county governments. This marks a shift from the previous strategy of acquiring large-scale federal properties to expand detention capacity.
Which Pennsylvania locations are being offloaded?
Two Pennsylvania sites are among the seven locations DHS intends to sell or give to other federal agencies, according to documents obtained by the New York Times and posted by reporter Hamed Aleaziz on X.
- Berks County: A nearly 520,000-square-foot warehouse in Upper Bern Township purchased in February.
- Schuylkill County: A former Big Lots distribution center located in Tremont Township.
These acquisitions previously faced significant opposition. ABC27 News reported that Pennsylvania lawmakers and local residents protested the centers. In Schuylkill County, local and county leaders sent a letter to DHS warning that the rural community lacked the necessary infrastructure to support such a facility.
How does this change the immigration detention strategy?
The purchase of these 11 warehouses was part of a broader Trump Administration effort to expand detention centers nationwide. However, the current move to offload the majority of these sites suggests a change in operational priority. While the original plan focused on building a massive federal footprint, the current DHS directive prioritizes speed of removal over long-term federal housing.
By shifting to “existing detention space,” the government reduces the overhead of maintaining massive warehouses like the one in Berks County while relying on the infrastructure already managed by local jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many warehouses is ICE giving away or selling?
According to the New York Times, DHS plans to offload seven of the 11 warehouses it purchased for immigrant detention.
Where are the affected sites in Pennsylvania?
The sites are located in Upper Bern Township (Berks County) and Tremont Township (Schuylkill County).
Who is reporting these changes?
The New York Times first reported the plan on Thursday, June 18, 2026, based on obtained documents.
What do you think about the shift toward using local county jails instead of federal warehouses? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on federal policy changes.