Local leaders respond to ICE interest in Hwy 109 property
Note: This story has been updated with new information.
A Friday announcement from local leaders reignited debate and concerns after ICE now says it is interested in property within city limits, off Cedar Creek Lane along the Hwy 109 Corridor.
County officials say the type of facility being considered is a 鈥渕ega center鈥, the largest type of ICE detention center in the U.S., which could house between 14,000 and 16,000 detainees across Tennessee and nearby states.
There are two large warehouses鈥攖he only two buildings鈥攐n Cedar Creek Lane. Both are owned by Earhart Industrial. One building is 863,573 square-feet and the other, larger building is 1,151,585 square-feet. The location was confirmed by Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto Monday.
鈥淵esterday, I spoke with Senior Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. He confirmed Immigration and Customs Enforcement is interested in property along the Highway 109 South Corridor inside the City Limits of Lebanon,鈥 Bell鈥檚 Feb. 20 statement read. 鈥淭hey are in the due diligence phase of a feasibility study. They have not contacted anyone with the City of Lebanon Utilities or Engineering Departments.鈥
At first it was reported last Friday, Feb. 13, that Immigration and Customs Enforcement purchased property within Lebanon to serve as a detention facility, giving confirmation to reporters when contacted throughout the previous weekend. However, on Tuesday, Feb. 17, ICE said property had not been purchased and the confirmation was sent in error.
The fluctuating narrative from federal officials鈥攎oving from a confirmed purchase to a total denial, then to a confirmation of 鈥榓ctive interest鈥欌攈as left local leaders questioning the transparency of DHS.
During Tuesday鈥檚 City Council meeting, Bell, along with City Attorney Andy Wright, said the federal government can override local zoning laws, as part of the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Bell also said that according to Utilities Director Regina Santana, the city would not be able to presently handle the water and sewage load an ICE facility would need.
Officials in Lebanon and Wilson County have said they believe Lebanon is not a good location for a detention center. When asked about earlier reports, officials said they had no idea and were not contacted by the federal department regarding a facility.
鈥淎s a conservative Republican, I believe we should have a secure border. However, other than the Wilson County Jail, Lebanon, Tennessee, is not the place for any type of correctional facility 鈥 ICE or otherwise,鈥 Bell said in his release.
Bell said he spoke with U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who agrees with local leaders that Lebanon is not 鈥渢he right location鈥 for a detention center. She is reportedly working with the City of Lebanon and the Department of Homeland Security.
When asked for comment, a spokesperson for Sen. Blackburn said: 鈥淪enator Blackburn supports the incredible work ICE is doing in Tennessee to apprehend, detain and deport criminal illegal aliens, and she is working closely with local and state leaders as well as ICE to ensure the agency can find a proper placement for a new detention facility.鈥
Residents asked local leaders to take a stance against any detention centers during the concurrent City Council and Wilson County Commission meetings. No resolutions or ordinances have been discussed in either meeting.
State Rep. Clark Boyd issued a statement Friday afternoon agreeing with other officials that Lebanon is not a suitable location.
鈥淲hile I agree with and support the mission of ICE, I firmly believe that Lebanon is not the right place for this type of facility,鈥 Boyd said. 鈥淭he last few days, I, along with the other Wilson County elected officials, have been in regular contact with Sen. Blackburn to voice our concerns and try to intervene in this urgent matter.鈥
Boyd said he is in regular contact with Bell, Hutto, State Sen. Mark Pody and other officials to prevent a detention center from opening in Lebanon.
On Friday, Feb. 20, Hutto shared his concerns and reasoning for why Lebanon is not a good location for a detention center. According to Hutto, four schools, two churches and a daycare are in 鈥渁 short distance鈥 from the Cedar Creek Ln. property being considered, making the safety of children and priorities being a priority.
Additionally, Hutto believes the employment required to run the facility would strain the local workforce and force wages higher than what local employers can provide and result in an increased pressure on taxpayers to keep public safety positions filled.
He also echoed previous comments from Bell and Santana regarding the infrastructure resources required for a detention facility of the size ICE is considering. Officials claim such a facility would place heavy strain on utility services, leading to increased costs 鈥渇alling on the citizens.鈥
鈥淲hile some have mentioned potential economic benefits, I believe strongly that no financial gain outweighs the safety, stability and well being of our community,鈥 Hutto said. 鈥淥ur environment, our quality of life and the people we serve every day are invaluable.鈥
The 乐播传媒 contacted an ICE media representative for comment, but no response was sent at time of publication.
