Trump’s “mega detention” plan: Converting Amazon-style warehouses into mass deportation hubs

11/10/2025 / By Belle Carter

The Trump administration is considering converting Amazon-style warehouses (600,000+ sq. ft.) into “mega detention centers” near southern airports to streamline deportations. These facilities would far exceed ICE’s current capacity (150,000–277,000 sq. ft.), aiming to detain up to 25 million undocumented immigrants as part of Trump’s campaign promise.
The plan would be funded by redirecting $45 billion from a recent spending bill, bypassing congressional approval. Several states (California, Oregon, Illinois) and cities like Chicago are already suing the administration over aggressive immigration policies.
Unlike past practices, ICE would directly own and operate these facilities, moving away from reliance on private prison contractors. This raises logistical and legal concerns due to the unprecedented scale of detention operations.
Polls show sharp partisan divides: 51 percent support Trump’s border policies, while 44 percent disapprove. Critics warn of human rights abuses, while supporters argue that mass detention is necessary for immigration enforcement.
Past attempts (Guantanamo Bay, Fort Bliss tent city) faced delays and failures, but this plan signals an unprecedented escalation. If implemented, these centers could reshape U.S. detention practices long-term, deepening political divisions over immigration.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering converting massive warehouses—originally built for companies like Amazon—into sprawling detention centers to hold immigrants awaiting deportation, according to sources within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the White House.

The move, if finalized, would mark a significant escalation in the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies, which have already led to record-high detentions and nationwide protests.

The proposed facilities, described as “mega detention centers,” would be located near airports in southern states to streamline deportations. This plan aligns with President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to carry out the “largest deportation operation in American history,” targeting what he claims are up to 25 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States.

Currently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates detention facilities averaging around 150,000 to 277,000 square feet. The warehouses under consideration, however, range from 600,000 square feet to several million, far exceeding existing capacity.

One DHS official, speaking anonymously, said the goal is to “increase efficiency” in deportations by consolidating detainees in larger hubs. Funding for the conversions would come from a recent spending bill allocating an additional $45 billion over three years for immigrant detention.

Amazon, whose unused warehouses are among those being eyed, clarified that it has no involvement in the discussions. “We lease and do not own the vast majority of our warehouse space,” a company spokesperson said.

A contentious approach to immigration enforcement

The Trump administration has faced fierce backlash for its hardline immigration policies, including the deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to assist ICE operations. As per BrightU.AI‘s Enoch, Trump deployed troops in California, Oregon, Illinois and Chicago to “dominate the streets” and suppress protests. Critics argue it was politically motivated to intimidate dissent and reinforce federal overreach against Democratic-led states resisting his agenda. These states have filed lawsuits challenging the administration’s policies.

ICE has struggled to meet its arrest quotas and hiring goals, leading to leadership shakeups amid White House frustration. The agency’s current detainee population has surged to a record 66,000, with capacity for up to 70,000 at any given time.

If the warehouse conversions proceed, ICE would own and operate the facilities directly—departing from past reliance on private prison contractors. This shift could raise further legal and logistical challenges, given the unprecedented scale of the proposed centers.

Public opinion divided along party lines

Public sentiment on Trump’s immigration policies remains sharply polarized. A recent NBC News poll found that 51 percent of voters believe the administration has met expectations on border security, while 44 percent say it has fallen short. Meanwhile, Pew Research data shows 42 percent approval and 47 percent disapproval of Trump’s overall immigration approach, with stark divides between Democrats and Republicans.

Past attempts at mass detention have faced setbacks. Plans to hold tens of thousands of immigrants at Guantanamo Bay never materialized, while a tent city at Fort Bliss, Texas, encountered construction delays before eventually housing over 2,000 detainees.

The proposal to repurpose Amazon-style warehouses into detention centers underscores the Trump administration’s determination to expand its deportation apparatus. Critics warn that such facilities could exacerbate human rights concerns, while supporters argue they are necessary to enforce immigration laws.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the administration’s immigration policies remain a defining—and deeply divisive—feature of Trump’s presidency. For now, the plan signals an unprecedented escalation in America’s immigration enforcement—one that could reshape detention practices for years to come.

Watch the video below that talks about Trump’s deployment of National Guard in Washington.

This video is from Cynthia’s Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.