The Department of Homeland Security's plan to convert warehouses across the United States into immigration detention facilities has encountered significant opposition from communities and legal challenges that have stalled progress on multiple projects.

In Washington County, Maryland, protesters have rallied against a planned ICE detention center after DHS purchased an 825,000-square-foot warehouse for conversion. The facility was designed to hold 500 to 1,500 detainees as a processing center for recently arrested immigrants before transfer to long-term detention facilities. However, work on the $113 million renovation project has been temporarily halted following a lawsuit filed by Maryland's attorney general, with a court hearing scheduled for April 15.

The federal government spent $1.074 billion purchasing 11 warehouses nationwide under the detention facility expansion plan initiated under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The program aimed to address detention space needs for immigration enforcement operations, including serving the Baltimore ICE office's requirements in the Maryland case.

Communities in multiple states have opposed the warehouse conversion plans through various means. Officials in Salt Lake City and Pennsylvania have threatened to withhold or limit water services, while the town of Social Circle, Georgia placed a lock on the water meter at a DHS-purchased warehouse. Legal challenges have been filed in New Jersey alleging inadequate communication and in Michigan questioning the selection process.

Current Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is reviewing the warehouse detention program and has paused purchases of new facilities while scrutinizing existing contracts. In a recent court filing, DHS indicated that ICE is reconsidering the plans and scope of the Maryland warehouse project. The agency stated it is reviewing policies and proposals as part of the transition between administrations.

Washington County commissioners had expressed support for the ICE facility through a proclamation declaring "unwavering support" for DHS and ICE, though this drew significant opposition from residents during public meetings. Many community members have voiced concerns about both the moral implications of the facilities and the lack of advance notice about the federal purchases in their areas.