ICE informs Hanover of its intent to build a processing facility off I-95
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to purchase a warehouse in Hanover County "in support of ICE operations."
The Department of Homeland Security notified the county of its plans to “purchase, occupy and rehabilitate” the site for use as a processing facility in a Wednesday letter, giving Hanover 30 days to respond to the notice.
The building is at the Lewistown development at 11525 Lakeridge Pkwy., located across the street from Bass Pro Shops. It is currently owned by Jim Pattison Developments, a Canada-based development company, and is currently vacant.
DHS documents that were previously leaked identified the warehouse as a possible site for a processing facility that could hold up to 1,500 people. They indicated that federal officials planned to visit the property Jan. 13.
The Hanover County Board of Supervisors said it will discuss the planned processing facility and potential next steps at its next meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Immigration enforcement has increased under President Donald Trump's administration. Late last year, the Washington Post reported that plans are underway to establish a broader network of ICE detention centers nationally, with 23 potential sites that could hold more than 80,000 people identified.
The Henrico Citizen has previously reported that ICE is using Richmond International Airport as a hub for deportation flights.
Juliana Vandermark
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula issued a statement addressing immigration issues broadly on Wednesday evening.
"I understand there is tremendous fear in the community right now," he wrote. "Fear in completing everyday tasks, such as showing up for work, taking your children to school, or buying groceries, and I want you to know I hear you.
"I also want to assure you: My administration and I stand with you. As I've shared in the past, RPD Chief Rick Edwards, Council President Cynthia Newbille, and I stand united in supporting our city’s residents, including our immigrant neighbors, and protecting the trust between our communities and local law enforcement."
Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.
