Washington, DC -- Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement in response to sending a formal letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking answers regarding reports that a warehouse facility in Surprise, Arizona may be converted into a large-scale federal immigration detention center:

"The rule of law is not optional. I strongly support Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the enforcement of our nation's immigration laws. Detention capacity is a necessary component of a functioning immigration system-particularly after years of reckless open-border policies under the Biden administration that allowed millions of illegal aliens to flood into the United States, overwhelming resources and forcing reactive federal measures that could have been avoided.

At the same time, while immigration policy is set at the federal level, its impacts are felt most acutely at the local level. Reports of a large-scale detention facility in Surprise raise legitimate questions for residents, schools, first responders, and local governments. Concerns about infrastructure, traffic, emergency services, and public safety deserve serious and transparent consideration and Empowering state and local officials in decisions that affect their communities consistently produces the most effective outcomes.

These are not anti-illegal alien concerns. They are common-sense expectations of transparency and coordination. I trust that DHS will work cooperatively with state and local officials and communicate openly with the communities affected by its decisions.

"My goal is straightforward: immigration enforcement must be carried out effectively while respecting the legitimate interests of the communities that bear its local impacts. I am confident that DHS will provide clear answers and will work collaboratively with local stakeholders moving forward," stated Congressman Paul Gosar.

BACKGROUND:

Recent reports indicate that the Department of Homeland Security may convert a warehouse facility in Surprise, Arizona into a large-scale federal immigration detention center. Surprise is a rapidly growing community, and any facility of this scale has the potential to significantly affect local infrastructure, traffic patterns, public safety resources, and emergency services.

In response, Congressman Gosar, who represents Surprise and the surrounding area, sent a formal oversight letter to DHS requesting detailed information about the proposal. The letter affirms strong support for ICE and the enforcement of federal immigration law, while emphasizing the importance of transparency, planning, and coordination with state and local officials.

The letter requests answers regarding the facility's capacity, operational structure, security measures, funding sources, infrastructure impacts, and whether the site would operate on a temporary or permanent basis. It also seeks clarity on DHS's consultation with local governments and first responders, as well as how the department plans to communicate with residents and Congress if the facility moves forward.

Congressman Gosar's inquiry reflects his constitutional oversight responsibilities and his commitment to ensuring that federal immigration enforcement is conducted transparently, without disregarding the legitimate interests of the communities most directly affected.

A copy of the letter can be found by clicking here.