Congressman Paul A. Gosar, who represents Arizona’s 9th district in the U.S. Congress, has expressed appreciation for Secretary Noem of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following her response to his inquiries about a proposed ICE processing facility in Surprise, Arizona.
“I want to thank Secretary Noem for her prompt, direct, and transparent response to each of the questions I raised regarding the proposed ICE processing site in my district in Surprise, Arizona. At a time when our nation faces unprecedented challenges from illegal immigration, largely caused by the previous administration’s open-border policies, I appreciate Secretary Noem’s willingness to work collaboratively with my office to ensure that this project is carried out responsibly, securely, and with full consideration for local communities,” Gosar said.
According to information provided by DHS and referenced by Congressman Gosar, the planned facility would accommodate between 500 and 1,500 beds and serve as an intake and short-term transfer center for individuals placed into removal proceedings. The average stay at this facility is expected to be three to seven days before detainees are moved to larger detention centers. DHS indicated that ICE aims to begin using such facilities by the end of Fiscal Year 2026; however, this timeline depends on procurement processes and available funding.
Secretary Noem outlined several operational details in her response: “the facility would adhere to ICE National Detention Standards, include a fully staffed on-site medical unit, reimburse local partners for emergency services, and maintain robust security staffing to ensure the safety of detainees, personnel, and surrounding communities.” She also stated that DHS is committed “to continued engagement with state and local stakeholders and congressional oversight as the project advances.”
Gosar highlighted that ongoing government shutdowns have affected DHS’s ability to provide specific development timelines: “However, DHS made clear that the Democrats’ current government shutdown is directly impacting its ability to provide specific timelines for development and operational commencement.”
He further cited Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis: “Nearly a century ago…when a government fails to uphold the law it ‘breeds contempt for law’ and ‘invites anarchy.’ His words remain relevant today. When federal immigration law is ignored…the result is disorder at our border and danger in our communities. The American people deserve a federal government that enforces the law consistently and without apology.”
Gosar criticized Democratic lawmakers over what he described as partisan actions contributing to delays: “Unfortunately, Democrats’ partisan political stunts are once again interfering with the core mission of protecting the American people. The ongoing shutdown is preventing DHS from establishing a realistic and transparent timetable for this critical public safety project. Every day Democrats continue this reckless obstruction they delay border security efforts and put American lives at risk.”
He concluded: “Border security is national security. Democrats must end their political games, reopen the government immediately, and allow DHS and ICE to do their jobs. The safety of Arizona communities – and all Americans – cannot be held hostage to partisan theatrics.”
Paul Gosar has represented Arizona’s 9th District since 2011 after replacing Ann Kirkpatrick according to Ballotpedia. He won reelection against Quacy Smith in 2024 with over 65% of votes cast and previously defeated Richard Grayson in 2022. Born in Rock Springs, Wyoming in 1958 and currently residing in Bullhead City, Gosar graduated from Creighton University with a BS degree in 1981.
A copy of Secretary Noem’s response letter can be accessed through Congressman Gosar’s office.
