ICE incurred more than $20 million in costs on seven warehouses it plans to sell, after buying 11 for about $1.07 billion between January and April, a GAO report says. The watchdog found ICE pursued the detention expansion without a comprehensive strategic plan.
ICE reported $7.7 million in nonrecoverable costs for the seven properties, including zoning assessments and title insurance. It also estimated spending $12.8 million on utilities, security and other services through August. ICE paid about $707 million for the warehouses; selling them for less than that would add to the losses.
ICE had obligated $113 million for renovations in Hagerstown, Maryland, and $313 million in Surprise, Arizona; both projects were largely on hold as of September. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction halting work in Maryland, while Arizona and DHS agreed to pause the conversion during environmental reviews. GAO recommended that ICE set goals and resource needs and assess costs and risks before committing more funds. DHS agreed but said ICE did not expect to complete the plan until Aug. 31, 2027; GAO warned the timetable might not be fast enough.
