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SURPRISE, AZ (AZFamily) — The city of Surprise has launched a dedicated website to provide residents with a single, centralized source of information regarding a proposed federal immigration facility that has drawn community backlash, environmental concerns, and vandalism.
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According to city officials, the portal outlines what local leaders have done to address the project, identifies areas of the plan that federal agencies have not yet shared, and details which aspects of the development the city has the authority to control. It also highlights the latest updates on the multi-million-dollar warehouse, which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plan to convert into a processing facility.
“We have now launched a webpage that has all the information we have regarding the proposed facility in one place for easy reference,” Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor said, emphasizing the city’s commitment to transparency as they continue to push federal agencies for answers.
City officials also noted that DHS has committed to establishing a Community Relations Board, which will feature a city-appointed representative, and promised that the facility will not trigger roving ICE enforcement activity in Surprise.
The launch of the information portal comes amid a court-ordered pause on the facility.
The controversy began in January when news leaked that ICE purchased the warehouse for $70 million. The site quickly became a target for protests, and a 19-year-old was arrested in May in connection with an arson incident at the warehouse in February.
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Mayor Sartor emphasized that the city’s public safety, emergency management, and leadership teams are continuously preparing for any contingencies.
“Residents can be assured that their city leadership is continuing to monitor developments, advocate for our community, and do everything within our authority to protect the safety and well-being of the people who call Surprise home,” Sartor said.
The website is accessible to the public at this link.
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