Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to halt the conversion of a West Side warehouse into a large-scale immigration detention facility.
Legal Action Against Federal Agencies
The lawsuit, announced by Salt Lake County on June 8, 2026, alleges that federal agencies made the decision to convert the facility without following federal law or providing necessary public review. The legal action seeks to stop the project until DHS complies with required administrative procedures and intergovernmental coordination.
Warehouse Conversion Plans
The dispute centers on an 833,000-square-foot warehouse located at 6020 W. 300 South. According to a June 8 press release from Salt Lake County, DHS purchased the property in March 2026 for $145.4 million with plans to use it as a hub for detaining between 7,500 and 10,000 immigrants from across the Intermountain West.
Council Opposition
Salt Lake City Council Chair Alejandro Puy stated on July 9, 2026, that the council remains opposed to the proposed mega detention facility. Puy noted that the impact of the center poses a significant threat to critical infrastructure and core societal values.
Infrastructure and Water Concerns
Local leaders expressed concerns regarding the facility's impact on regional resources during a period of severe drought. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall stated that the facility would place an undue strain on the city's limited water supply and public utilities, adding that residents are entitled to reasoned decision-making by the federal government.
Impact on Public Safety
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson argued that the proposed facility would overwhelm regional infrastructure and harm area businesses. According to the June 8 announcement, officials raised specific concerns regarding sewage system capacity—noting the facility could hold twice as many people as the nearby Utah State Prison—as well as increased traffic, emissions, and law enforcement needs.
Lack of Transparency
The Salt Lake City Council stated on July 9 that the city has attempted to engage with DHS in good enough faith for months but lacks the information required to evaluate negative impacts. The lawsuit alleges that DHS's actions have been conducted in secrecy, without environmental analysis or consultation with the Salt Lake County Health Department.
