Federal officials drop plan for Utah immigration detention center, court filing confirms
A federal court filing reveals the Department of Homeland Security will not convert a Salt Lake warehouse into an immigration detention facility, designating it excess property for the General Services Administration.
In a filing submitted Wednesday, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County and the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the proposed transformation of a warehouse at 6020 W. 300 South into an immigration detention center will not proceed. The document notes that, as of July 17, 2026, defendants informed plaintiffs the property will be classified as excess and handed to the General Services Administration for disposition.
The filing is part of the plaintiffs’ request for a stay in the lawsuit they launched on June 8 against DHS officials, including Markwayne Mullin, alleging procedural violations. ICE had bought the empty warehouse for $145.44 million in March to house up to 10,000 detainees, a plan that sparked protests and opposition from immigrant advocates. Attorney Brent Ward welcomed the abandonment, citing pressure from city leaders and community groups. The judge has yet to rule on the stay, and a detailed report on the site's disposition is expected within 60 days.
Why it matters
The decision ends a controversial federal detention project and could shape future immigration enforcement approaches.
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