Trump's Own Voters Are Saying No To ICE's Massive Detention Centre In Their Town

Aerial view of a massive Georgia warehouse under grey winter skies, isolated with muddy tracks and a single black SUV.

In February, the US Department of Homeland Security quietly purchased a 1-million square-foot warehouse in Social Circle, Georgia — part of a massive $38.3 billion plan to open dozens of ICE detention centres across America.

Diverse crowd of 30+ townspeople gathered outside a brick municipal building in winter, holding signs and showing determined faces.

Residents first discovered the plan through a Washington Post report in December. Despite overwhelmingly voting for Trump, both Democrats and Republicans united under one defiant message — “Detention centre, not welcome here.”

Close-up of weathered water meter with a new padlock, gloved hands gripping a wrench, municipal work shirt visible.

In March, City Manager Eric Taylor locked the water meter shut, blocking ICE’s access entirely. The town’s system, permitted for just 1 million gallons daily, couldn’t survive ICE’s equal daily demand alone.

Crumbling warehouse with exposed sewage pipes, narrow road, and translucent financial overlay showing “130 MILLION” and “4X VALUE”.

Despite community resistance, ICE still bought the warehouse for nearly $130 million — over 4 times its estimated value. The aging 1962 sewage system and narrow two-lane roads made the plan even more impossible.

Split image of Michigan lawyers, New Jersey protesters, Maryland officials, and 13 burning candles with immigrant silhouettes in rain.

The resistance went national. Michigan, New Jersey, and Maryland filed lawsuits against DHS. Back in Social Circle, human rights fears deepened — at least 13 immigrants had already died in ICE custody by early March 2026.

Dawn over empty Georgia main street, blooming cherry blossoms, abandoned warehouse in distance, single resident silhouetted.

Then came a turning point. Trump fired Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem in March. New nominee Markwayne Mullin hinted at working with communities. The April opening deadline passed silently — Social Circle’s fight had forced a pause.