Romulus ICE facility future in question as DHS pauses additional warehouse purchases

ROMULUS, Mich. (FOX 2) - The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly putting a pause on the expansion of its detention facilities, throwing the future of the purchased Romulus warehouse into question.

Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem oversaw the purchase of centers intended to house individuals in federal custody during her tenure.

Now under Markwayne Mullin's direction, the agency's strategy is being reviewed.

Big picture view:

Anonymous U.S. officials told news outlets that the department is putting a hold on buying new warehouses intended to house immigrants as it reviews all contracts signed under former Secretary Kristi Noem.

NBC News first reported the stoppage, and said that the officials they spoke with said the decision most likely will be temporary.

Local perspective:

In February, DHS purchased a warehouse in Romulus near the Detroit Metro Airport to be used as a future ICE Detention Facility. This was one of many purchases across the country.

The building is located on Cogswell Street and was viewed as a future 500-bed facility.

In response, the Romulus City Council unanimously approved a motion to enter into a lawsuit with Attorney General Nessel against the DHS, ICE and the Director of Homeland Security on March 23.

Dig deeper:

Eleven warehouses had reportedly been purchased across the country. Those include:

Arizona
Georgia
Maryland
Michigan
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Texas
Utah

A senior DHS official told The Associated Press that the purchased warehouses were also being scrutinized as the pause continues. Meanwhile, the DHS said in a statement that "as with any transition, we are reviewing agency policies and proposals."

The Source: Reporting by the Associated Press and previous stories were cited for this story.

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