Congressman Paul A. Gosar (AZ-09) has sent a formal letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking information about reports that a warehouse in Surprise, Arizona may be converted into a federal immigration detention center.
Gosar stated, “The rule of law is not optional. I strongly support Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws. Detention capacity is a necessary component of a functioning immigration system—particularly after years of reckless open-border policies under the Biden administration that allowed millions of illegal aliens to flood into the United States, overwhelming resources and forcing reactive federal measures that could have been avoided.
At the same time, while immigration policy is set at the federal level, its impacts are felt most acutely at the local level. Reports of a large-scale detention facility in Surprise raise legitimate questions for residents, schools, first responders, and local governments. Concerns about infrastructure, traffic, emergency services, and public safety deserve serious and transparent consideration and Empowering state and local officials in decisions that affect their communities consistently produces the most effective outcomes.
These are not anti-illegal alien concerns. They are common-sense expectations of transparency and coordination. I trust that DHS will work cooperatively with state and local officials and communicate openly with the communities affected by its decisions.
My goal is straightforward: immigration enforcement must be carried out effectively while respecting the legitimate interests of the communities that bear its local impacts. I am confident that DHS will provide clear answers and will work collaboratively with local stakeholders moving forward,” said Congressman Paul Gosar.
Reports suggest DHS may convert a warehouse in Surprise into an immigration detention center. The city has experienced rapid growth, which means any new large facility could have significant effects on infrastructure such as roads, public safety resources, emergency services, and traffic patterns.
In response to these developments, Congressman Gosar sent an oversight letter to DHS requesting detailed information about several aspects of the proposal. These include questions about capacity, operational structure, security measures, funding sources, infrastructure impact assessments, whether use would be temporary or permanent, consultation with local authorities including first responders, as well as plans for communication with both residents and Congress if plans move forward.
Gosar’s inquiry aligns with his constitutional oversight duties as he represents Arizona’s 9th district in Congress—a position he has held since 2011 after replacing Ann Kirkpatrick (source). He has emphasized his commitment to ensuring transparency in federal actions affecting his constituents.
Paul Gosar was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming in 1958; he currently resides in Bullhead City (source). He graduated from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1981 (source).
A copy of Congressman Gosar’s letter to DHS can be accessed online.
