City, state lawmakers introduce measures to ban ICE detention centers in Georgia - WABE
Georgia state Sen. Jaha Howard has introduced two bills — Senate Bill 517, which would temporarily prohibit the establishment of ICE detention centers in Georgia from 2026 to 2028, and Senate Bill 549, which would ban state funding or support for such facilities. At the city level, South Fulton Councilmember Helen Zenobia Willis introduced a resolution to prevent warehouses from being converted into ICE detention centers through zoning regulations, which passed in a 5-2 vote. The measures come in response to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement push and reports that ICE and Homeland Security are purchasing industrial warehouses in multiple states, including Georgia, for use as detention facilities.
Two Democratic lawmakers in Georgia are using their elected powers to resist ongoing aggressive actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. With new legislation, a state official and a city leader are attempting to prevent the creation of more large-scale ICE detention centers in Georgia.
Georgia state Sen. Jaha Howard has introduced Senate Bill 517, which prohibits the establishment of ICE detention centers in Georgia starting July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028, while the state works to develop a long-term plan “that promotes dignity and justice in the operation of immigration detention centers.” Howard also introduced Senate Bill 549, which prohibits funding or other support of ICE detention centers in the Peach State.
Meanwhile, South Fulton Councilmember Helen Zenobia Willis recently introduced a resolution to ban warehouses in South Fulton from being purchased and converted into ICE detention centers through the city’s zoning code. In a 5 to 2 vote, the resolution was adopted last week, and an ordinance is expected in the coming weeks.
This all comes amid President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown and as ICE and Homeland Security are purchasing several industrial warehouses in several states, including Texas, Arizona and Georgia, to use as detention centers.
On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott talks with Senator Howard and Councilmember Willis about the unfolding situation and its potential long-term social and economic impact on Georgia.
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