SLC.gov

June 8, 2026

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) in an effort to halt the unlawful decision to convert a warehouse into an immigration detention facility on the City’s west side without following federal law. 

“This kind of facility has no place in Salt Lake City, not only due to its inhumane nature but also because of our limited water supply, the increased strain on public utilities systems, and the potentially drastic public health and safety impacts it would have on our residents,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Salt Lakers are legally entitled to public review and reasoned decision making on major actions by the federal government, and it is my responsibility as Mayor to defend these rights.”

In March 2026, DHS purchased an 833,000-square-foot warehouse at 6020 W. 300 South for $145.4 million with plans to use it as a hub to detain between 7,500 to 10,000 immigrants from throughout the Intermountain West.

“The proposed facility is a dire threat to the very essence of our community values,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “It would overwhelm the infrastructure in the region, harm area businesses, and strain public safety and public health resources. The Federal Government did not notify nor consult with local officials, including myself.”

Converting this warehouse would have environmental, economic, and public health and safety impacts for both the City, the County and the entire State of Utah. To date, these significant concerns have not been addressed by DHS and ICE officials, despite the City and County repeatedly requesting information. They include: 

• Sewage system capacity, with the facility holding at least twice as many people than the nearby Utah State Prison;
• Daily water consumption needs for up to 13,000 people amid the current mega drought and Great Salt Lake challenges;
• Heavy wear and tear on local roads and impact on local businesses; 
• An increase in traffic and emissions that will worsen already poor air quality; and
• Increased local law enforcement presence to ensure public safety.

“This filing is a vital step toward safeguarding our communities,” Salt Lake City Council Chair Alejandro Puy emphasized. “The impact of this facility poses far too great a threat to our essential water supply, critical infrastructure, and core societal values.”

Even though there are major impacts on residents, DHS’s actions have been cloaked in secrecy, with minimal communication to the City and County. Additionally, there has been no environmental analysis to the City’s knowledge, and the Salt Lake County Health Department has not been consulted regarding the public health impacts. This hidden process violates several federal laws, as explained in the formal complaint. The lawsuit seeks to halt the project until DHS complies with the law. 

Note: DHS and ICE have 60 days to respond. The case will be put on the docket and heard in federal court. Due to the pending litigation, no further comment will be given at this time.