SURPRISE, AZ — The Department of Homeland Security recently purchased a large warehouse near the intersection of Waddell and Dysart roads in Surprise.
According to Maricopa County records, DHS paid more than $70 million in cash for the 418,000-square-foot property.
A copy of the deed obtained by ABC15 shows that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is also named on the property.
An ICE spokesperson has since confirmed the warehouse will be used as a "processing facility" with 1,500 beds.
"ICE purchased land in Surprise, Arizona to build a processing facility that will hold approximately 1,500 beds," a statement read. "Every day, DHS is conducting law enforcement activities across the country to keep Americans safe. It should not come as news that ICE will be making arrests in states across the U.S. and is actively working to expand detention space."
The city of Surprise released the following statement on Friday:
