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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.

Bell's conversation with a DHS official seemingly indicates a reversal to a reversal on intentions for a detention center. 

During Tuesday’s 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.

“As 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—ICE or otherwise,� Bell also said in his release.

Bell said he spoke with U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who agrees with local leaders that Lebanon is not “the right location� 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: “Senator 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.� 

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. 

“While I agree with and support the mission of ICE, I firmly believe that Lebanon is not the right place for this type of facility,� Boyd said. “The 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.�

Boyd said he is in regular contact with Bell, Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto, State Sen. Mark Pody and other officials prevent a detention center from opening in Lebanon.

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ contacted an ICE media representative for comment, but no response was sent at time of writing.

This is a developing story.