The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a draft environmental assessment this week for a 418,000‑square‑foot warehouse near Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road that ICE intends to convert into an immigration detention center for up to 1,500 detainees. The 81‑page report concludes the project would have no significant environmental impacts.

Federal Review Completes After State Pause

Earlier in 2026, DHS and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes agreed to pause the project until a full environmental review could be completed. The newly released draft fulfills that requirement, allowing the federal government to move forward under the Trump administration’s strong immigration enforcement agenda.

Local Concerns Over Utilities and Costs

Surprise city council member Chris Judd expressed worry that the facility would strain local resources. He noted the center could use three to four times more water than the city’s current highest water consumer. “As a designated provider, we have to give them water, but we can force them to pay for the water they’re making us give them,” Judd said, estimating roughly $9 million in infrastructure upgrades that the city would expect the operator to cover.

The assessment also examined electricity demand, wastewater treatment, transportation, and emergency‑response needs, confirming that the additional loads are manageable with appropriate cost recovery from the facility.

Air Quality, Noise and Traffic Findings

Air‑quality, noise and traffic impacts were reviewed and found to be within acceptable limits. The draft does not devote extensive discussion to a neighboring warehouse that stores hazardous materials, a point raised by community activist Brent Peak of Northwest Valley Indivisible. Peak criticized the limited coverage, calling it “completely ridiculous, negligent and derelict” that the issue received only a single paragraph in the 81‑page document.

Public Comment Period Open

The City of Surprise and the Arizona Attorney General’s office are reviewing the draft and have opened a public comment period through December 9. Residents who wish to submit feedback can do so via the DHS website.

What This Means for the Community

While the federal assessment clears the project on environmental grounds, local officials stress the importance of ensuring the city is reimbursed for any infrastructure upgrades required to support the detention center. The process illustrates a collaborative approach between federal immigration enforcement and municipal stewardship, aiming to protect both national security interests and community resources.

Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the comment period to voice concerns or support, ensuring that any final decisions reflect both federal priorities and local realities.

Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.