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ICE prepara 4 mega-centros de detención para 5,500 inmigrantes
ICE Plans Four New Detention Centers Across the U.S.: What You Need to Know
What’s Happening?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — the agency that enforces immigration laws inside the United States — is planning to open four brand-new detention centers. These facilities will be built in:
- Seattle, Washington
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Miami, Florida
- Denver, Colorado
Together, they’ll have space for 5,500 people.
Important Point: These are "turnkey" facilities — meaning they’re supposed to be ready to operate within 30 days after contracts are signed. No major construction or renovations needed.
Why Is This Happening Now?
A Big Increase in Arrests
- In June alone, ICE arrested nearly 40,000 people — a record number.
- Right now, ICE holds over 65,000 detainees across 207 facilities in 40 states.
- About 72% of current detainees have criminal convictions or pending charges, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data.
The Government’s Stated Goal
A DHS spokesperson said the focus is on "removing the most dangerous illegal aliens from the country" quickly, rather than housing them long-term at taxpayer expense.
What Makes These New Centers Different?
1. Built-In Courtrooms
Each facility will have:
- 5 immigration courtrooms
- Offices for judges
- At least 20 offices for ICE attorneys
Why this matters: Detainees won’t need to be transported back and forth to separate courthouses. Everything happens in one place.
2. ICE-Only Facilities
Unlike many current centers, these won’t be shared with other federal agencies — they’re exclusively for ICE detainees.
3. Strict Video Surveillance Requirements
The contract documents require:
- Cameras in hallways, exits, and common areas
- 90 days of footage saved from every camera
- Body camera policies for guards during:
- Transport of detainees
- Use-of-force incidents
- "Periods of agitation or unrest"
Why Are Body Cameras Such a Big Deal Right Now?
Two Fatal Shootings in One Week
ICE has faced intense criticism after two deadly shootings by agents — one in Texas, one in Maine — neither agent was wearing a body camera.
| Incident | Location | Person Killed |
|---|---|---|
| Shooting 1 | Houston, Texas | Lorenzo Salgado Araujo |
| Shooting 2 | Biddeford, Maine | Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero |
The Problem
- No body camera footage = harder to investigate what really happened
- In other cases, video evidence has contradicted official accounts from federal authorities
What’s Being Done?
- Tom Homan (Trump’s "border czar") says "changes have been made"
- Acting ICE Director David Venturella issued a directive: body cameras required for all vehicle stops
- ICE briefly ordered agents to stop vehicle pursuits — but President Trump reversed that order the next day, calling traffic stops "one of ICE’s most important and effective tools"
By the Numbers: Deaths in ICE Custody
| Time Period | Deaths Reported |
|---|---|
| 2024 (full year) | 11 |
| 2025 (through June) | 20 |
| 2025 (full year projection) | 33 |
Important Point: The DHS Office of Inspector General (the internal watchdog) has announced two new investigations:
- The sharp rise in detainee deaths
- Whether ICE facilities follow proper use-of-force standards
Summary
- ICE is opening 4 new "turnkey" detention centers in Seattle, Philadelphia, Miami, and Denver — 5,500 total beds
- Facilities will include on-site immigration courts to speed up proceedings
- Comes after record arrests (~40,000 in June) and 65,000+ current detainees
- New surveillance rules require cameras everywhere + 90-day footage retention + body camera policies
- Urgent context: Two fatal shootings by ICE agents without body cameras sparked outrage
- Investigations underway into rising deaths and use-of-force practices
FAQ
What does "turnkey" mean?
It means the facility is ready to use immediately — like turning a key in a door. No major construction or renovation needed. ICE wants these operational within 30 days of signing contracts.
Who will be held in these new centers?
Only ICE detainees — people awaiting immigration proceedings or removal. The centers won’t be shared with other agencies like the U.S. Marshals or Bureau of Prisons.
Why put courtrooms inside detention centers?
To avoid transporting detainees to separate courthouses. It’s faster, cheaper, and reduces security risks. Each center gets 5 courtrooms + judge/attorney offices.
Are all ICE detainees criminals?
72% have criminal convictions or pending charges, per DHS data. The rest may be held for immigration violations only (like entering without authorization or overstaying a visa).
What happens next with the body camera investigations?
The DHS Inspector General is investigating both the recent deaths and whether force policies are being followed. Results could lead to policy changes, discipline, or broader reforms.
Source: NBC News / Telemundo reporting by Laura Strickler and Joy Y. Wang
