ICE wanted to build a detention centre – this small farming town said no

ICE sought to establish a detention centre – this Georgia farming town stood firm

In a small Georgia town, two longtime residents have taken on a shared mission for months. Democrat Gareth Fenley and conservative John Miller, neighbors with differing political views, have driven through the quiet, rural streets each day to monitor a vast gray warehouse. This one-million square-foot property, purchased by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in February, is central to a $38.3bn initiative to build multiple immigration detention centres nationwide. The project has sparked significant backlash, even in towns like Social Circle, which strongly backed Donald Trump’s campaign—particularly his pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.

Residents of Social Circle, a conservative community, now resist the plan. “People have different reasons for aligning with the exact same message,” Fenley remarked. “That message is: ‘Detention centre, not welcome here.’” Many supporters of the administration’s immigration policies worry the facility would strain the town’s resources, tripling its population and transforming it from a place known for its Blue Willow Inn to a prison-like environment. These concerns led City Manager Eric Taylor to temporarily cut off water access to the warehouse in March, making the one-stoplight town a symbol of opposition to the plan.

“If you open up that water meter, it gives them full access to the entire supply of the whole city,” Taylor explained to the BBC. “I can’t let that happen without knowing what the ultimate impact is going to be.”

The town’s water system, serving just over 5,000 people, has faced challenges for years. Taylor noted the city’s permit allows only one million gallons of water per day from the Alcovy River, south of the town. During summer months, the town already consumes about 800,000 gallons daily. ICE, however, claims its facility would require one million gallons a day. Taylor refused to activate the water meter until the agency provided clarity on the town’s capacity.

Miller, whose 50-acre horse farm borders the warehouse, criticized the lack of due diligence. “It’s the same story over and over,” he said. “Communities weren’t informed. They weren’t consulted.” He questioned how officials handled the project, despite acknowledging the rationale behind it. Federal authorities have proposed solutions, such as drilling a well on the site or transporting water in bulk, but the father of seven said the plan could compromise the town’s existing water source.

Near the town’s heart lies a replica of a well, a tribute to its 1832 founding. According to a historical plaque, the town’s name originated from a moment when a group of men invited a stranger to join them around a well. Today, that well symbolizes the residents’ fight against the proposed facility. While the DHS has paused further purchases of similar warehouses, the fate of the existing one remains uncertain. The department declined direct comments from the BBC, stating it was conducting a “review of processes” under new leadership.

Residents remain cautiously hopeful. “We’re anxious to see what happens out of this review,” Miller admitted. “They’ve already bought the building, so there’s going to be some effects no matter what.” The town continues to push for input, hoping to influence the outcome of the pending decision.