In February 2026 — after extensive engineering assessments, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identified locations across the country for new detention centers. The new detention center model is funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which received my vote and President Trump’s signature in July 2025. According to DHS, this new model will allow ICE to “create an efficient detention network by reducing the total number of contracted detention facilities in use while increasing total bed capacity, enhancing custody management, and streamlining removal operations.”

My office received confirmation that DHS identified a warehouse in Oakwood to convert into a regional processing facility. Following an informative briefing from ICE, my staff promptly informed Oakwood officials. According to ICE, the average length of stay for illegal aliens at the processing facility is 3-7 days, and the projected bed capacity is 1,400-1,600. 

My staff and I will continue coordinating with both our local and federal partners as the project moves forward. Additionally, my team will update this page as a resource as we learn more from DHS and ICE.

Overview

My office received the following information from Immigration and Customs Enforcement:

ICE conducted a thorough due diligence process prior to purchasing each facility. The due diligence review included thorough site inspections, analysis of utility services, and testing and inspection of mechanical and electrical systems.

The identification and fit for purpose of each facility included an engineering review of the existing utilities and facility infrastructure. The engineering team reviewed the proposed use and capacities for electricity, water usage, waste exportation, and water capacities for life safety building systems (fire protection systems). The final selection of the facility was predicated on a “No Detrimental Effect” determination.

As a result of the thorough analysis, the Department of Homeland Security plans to make a major economic investment in a new detention facility in Oakwood, Georgia.

Detention Operations, Services, and Compliance Standards

According to DHS, this model will “incorporate all existing detention standards and will maximize operational efficiency, minimize costs, shorten processing times, and promote the safety, dignity, and respect of all aliens in ICE custody.”

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene products, bedding, and recreation.

• In coordination with ICE Health Services Corps., ensuring medical, dental, mental health care, and emergency services.

• Facilitating legal access through visitation spaces, law libraries, and necessary resources.

• Providing religious spaces in compliance with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.

• Supporting communication needs, including scheduled phone calls and mail services.

• Facilities will include a variety of program operations to include but not limited to; food services, security & detention, medical services, transportation services, detainee processing, legal services & case processing, custodial and laundry services, IT services, and facility management.

• These sites will also include lobbies, recreational space, dormitories, courtroom spaces, intake and processing zones, cafeterias, as well as amenities for ICE and contractor staff like office spaces and exercise facilities.

All detention infrastructure will comply with the latest ICE National Detention Standards (NDS), relevant federal regulations, environmental regulations, and industry best practices. ICE is complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to evaluate the impacts of proposed actions and their reasonable alternatives. The purpose of this analysis is to assess the environmental implications of acquiring property to house a processing facility, as well as the feasibility of alternative options.

By the Numbers 

According to DHS and ICE, the Department estimates it will spend $158 million retrofitting the facility and an estimated $160 million to operate the facility in the first three years. Including all ripple effects to the Georgia economy, this facility will support a total of 1,520 jobs during retrofit and up to 429 jobs each year of operation.

Highlights from ICE’s economic analysis impact include:  

• The retrofit for the Oakwood processing site would support 1,520 jobs with an associated Labor Income of $115.8 million, contribution to GDP of $159.2 million, Output of $318.4 million, and taxes of $34.3 million

  • This includes sub county general taxes (city), sub county special district taxes (police, fire, schools, etc.), county taxes, state taxes, and federal taxes.

• The annual operations of the proposed Oakwood processing site would support a total of 429 jobs across the Georgia region.

• Annual operation of the Oakwood processing site would support $48.4 million in Labor Income in Georgia. 

• The annual spending on operations would support $71.5 million in contribution to GDP and $86.9 million in Output across Georgia. 

• Approximately $13.9 million in local, state, and federal tax revenue would be generated by annual operations, including sales tax and income tax.

  • This includes sub county general taxes (city), sub county special district taxes (police, fire, schools, etc.), county taxes, state taxes, and federal taxes.

My Thoughts

From the brutal murders of both Laken Riley and Mimi Rodriguez-Ramirez, North Georgia knows the horrors of illegal alien crime all too well. Folks, illegal aliens have no place in the Ninth District — or anywhere in our country for that matter, especially those committing violent crimes and bringing lethal drugs into our communities. 

I fully support President Trump in protecting American citizens by detaining and deporting criminal illegals from our communities. The new Oakwood ICE facility will play an important role in this fight by serving as a regional processing center.

In addition to assisting ICE’s mission and mass deportations, the forthcoming facility will also bring a major economic investment to the City of Oakwood and surrounding communities.

Based on ICE’s economic impact analysis, track record, and unwavering commitment to protecting the American people, I am confident that the Oakwood ICE facility will be a safe and prosperous addition to the Ninth District.

I Want to Hear from You

If you have comments, questions, or concerns about the Oakwood ICE facility, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.

For regular updates on my work on behalf of Georgia’s Ninth District, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Clyde in Congress.