DHS Retreats From Plan to Convert Warehouses Into Mega-Detention Centers — Washington, D.C.

The Department of Homeland Security is backing away from its plan to convert a network of vacant warehouses into government-run mega-detention centers, The New York Times reported, and will instead keep relying largely on existing jails and contractor-run facilities. The retreat abandons the signature initiative of ousted Secretary Kristi Noem — a “detention reengineering” effort that sought capacity for nearly 100,000 immigrants — after community lawsuits, property-owner refusals, and a review by new Secretary Markwayne Mullin.