Government awards contract for renovation of ICE detention center in Surprise - AZPM News

The Department of Homeland Security is moving to convert a warehouse into an ICE detention center in the City of Surprise, according to a federal database that displays government contracts.

The database — USAspending.gov — says DHS awarded more than $313.3 million to Gardaworld Federal Services LLC last Friday. Under that contract, Gardaworld, a private company, is tasked with renovating the warehouse to serve as an ICE processing and detention facility.

Project Salt Box, an initiative that tracks DHS developments, first reported on the contract.

The prospective detention center in Surprise has drawn significant outcry in recent weeks, both from residents and policymakers.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes voiced concerns over the facility in a letter last month to DHS. Mayes has also weighed using public nuisance law to block the detention center. Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego have also raised concerns, along with Republican Congressman Paul Gosar, whose district includes Surprise.

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