ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock is moving to block two ICE detention centers in north Georgia, one of which is confirmed and the other of which has been proposed.

On Friday, the Democratic senator proposed an amendment to the latest Department of Homeland Security funding package that would prohibit federal funds from being used to acquire detention centers in Walton County’s Social Circle and Hall County’s Oakwood.

“The people of Georgia want secure borders; they do not want massive immigration detention centers in their backyards,” Warnock said. “If the Trump administration focused on getting violent criminals out of the country, we would not need new detention centers straining Georgia’s rural communities. That’s why I’m standing with the residents of Social Circle and Oakwood and fighting to block these detention facilities from towns that don’t want them.”

The amendment also stipulates any detention centers built must comply with environmental laws and inspection requirements.

Democrats and the White House are currently locked in a battle over proposed ICE restrictions in the wake of two deadly immigration enforcement-related shootings in Minneapolis. The current funding package expires on Friday, and if no resolution is reached, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security could enter a temporary shutdown.

MORE COVERAGE: Homeland Security shutdown seems certain as funding talks between White House and Democrats stall

On Sunday, the city of Social Circle said Homeland Security informed it of its purchase of a facility to detain immigrants. The large warehouse on E. Hightower Trail is expected to house up to 10,000 people and could open in April.

Social Circle has a population of about 5,000, according to data from the 2020 census. City leaders argue the water and sewage systems can’t handle the sudden increase, and several residents have taken to the streets to protest.

“We’ll be known as a prison town,” protester Gareth Fenley told Atlanta News First. “You’re gonna say Social Circle and think of this and scare the kids.”

The sentiment is similar in Oakwood, where residents asked the city council and mayor on Monday to do all they can to prevent a detention center. The city has been identified as one of several potential sites for a facility.

In a statement, city officials said they support ICE’s mission to detain those with criminal records, but are frustrated with the logistics.

“Our concern is not with the agency’s lawful role in public safety,” officials said. “Our concern is with the proposed location and the process by which this site was selected, which occurred without consultation, coordination or impact analysis involving any local governing body.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Residents oppose proposed ICE detention center in Hall County
• Feds reportedly purchase ICE facility in Social Circle
• Social Circle residents, leaders still have unanswered questions on incoming ICE detention facility
• Feds moving forward with ICE facility in Social Circle

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.

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