ICE Out! of Dublin. But, maybe coming to a warehouse near you?

Research courtesy of Grace Haubner, pursuing a degree in Public Policy & Environmental Science

Great news. But, did we really win? Or, did DHS devise a new strategy

Dublin ICE Facility Not Approved

Rumors had been circulating that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was assessing the feasibility of converting Dublin's former Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) facility into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Thanks to fierce opposition from residents, county officials, and medical professionals, Dublin City Council unanimously passed a resolution that formally opposed the reopening or reusing the former prison for detention of any kind. Similar resistance throughout the country removed or significantly reduced the number of ICE deployed to some cities, such as Los Angeles and Minneapolis. Given recent wins, it may feel like ICE deployments throughout the country have slowed. (ICE had already opened 104 facilities between January and November 2025, before the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.) Unfortunately, protests against ICE, demands that they reform their tactics, may not be working. Instead, it appears that DHS has simply adopted new plans for opening detention centers they're building or buying warehouses instead of using federal buildings. This change allows DHS to quickly open new centers without oversight or regular inspections from Congress. It's been widely reported that conditions in these detention centers are unsafe with inmates dying under unusual circumstances.

MY STANCE | Congress needs to hold firm and not fund DHS until regular oversight of ICE is restored. If elected a the end of this year and Secretary Noem still happens to have her job in early 2027, I'll stand aide-by-side with Congressional leaders who are demanding that President Trump fire Secretary Noem. If she's not fired, I'll vote for her impeachment. Secretary Noem must be held accountable for her brutal tactics and gaslighting.

As is true with any Secretary, Noem is responsible for the actions of the department. But, given her smooth-talking lies immediately following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, she's more than just responsible; she enabled of cover-up of the facts on the ground.

We Still Protest

Residents of Dublin and the surrounding area should feel very proud of their efforts - protests and pressure conveyed the importance of an early and decisive vote by Dublin City Council against the use of the former women's prison (with it's own storied past) as an ICE detention facility. Protests keep the issue top of mind. Neccessar because the fight is not over. Throughout the country, ICE and Secretary Noem are looking to open a network of "black site" detention facilities. Such actions are horrifying all voters. But, we must stand together.

The Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, Calif., was closed following reports of rampant sexual abuse of femail inmates.

(Image: San Francisco Chronicle / Getty Images)