Democrats introduce bill to bar ICE from turning warehouses into detention centers

House Democrats have introduced a bill that would block Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security from turning warehouses into immigrant detention centers.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib and other Democratic lawmakers introduced the Ban Warehouse Detention Act on April 23, 2026. According to official House statements, the bill would prohibit DHS from establishing, operating, expanding, converting or renovating warehouses or similar structures for detention.

The legislation also aims to stop new immigrant detention models tied to warehouse-style facilities.

The bill comes amid continuing backlash to DHS and ICE plans to use warehouse space for detention. AP reporting said DHS has paused new warehouse purchases while Secretary Markwayne Mullin reviews prior contracts.

The measure is now part of a broader political fight over detention expansion, with supporters arguing it would close off a fast-growing enforcement model and critics expected to challenge the limits it would place on the department.

The next step will be whether the bill picks up more co-sponsors or moves into committee consideration.