Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on June 8, 2026, to block the conversion of a warehouse into a massive immigration detention facility.
Allegations of unlawful conversion process
The lawsuit alleges that federal officials decided to convert the warehouse on the city's west side without following federal law. The Salt Lake City government stated that the proposed facility would lack necessary public review and reasoned decision-making processes.
Details on warehouse purchase and capacity
In March 2026, DHS purchased an 833,000-square-foot warehouse at 6020 W. 300 South for $145.4 million. The agency plans to use the site as a hub to detain between 7,500 and 10,000 immigrants from across the Intermountain West.
Local leaders voice humanitarian concerns
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall argued that the facility is inhumane and would place a strain on public utilities and the limited water supply. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson added that the federal government failed to notify or consult with local officials, calling the proposal a threat to community values.
Infrastructure and environmental impact risks
The legal complaint identifies several critical concerns, including sewage system capacity for a population potentially twice as large as the nearby Utah State Prison and daily water needs for up to 13,000 people during ongoing drought and Great Salt Lake challenges. Other cited impacts include increased traffic, higher emissions affecting air quality, and heavy wear on local roads.
Legal goals and next steps
The lawsuit seeks to halt the project until DHS complies with federal law. Salt Lake City Council Chair Alejandro Puy stated the filing is a step toward protecting essential water supplies and infrastructure. DHS and ICE have 20 days to respond to the litigation.
