The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General is reportedly investigating a $38 billion program approved under former Secretary Kristi Noem that aimed to convert warehouses into immigration detention centres. The probe, expected to be announced on Wednesday, will focus on ICE’s acquisition of detention space, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The program, which involved purchasing massive unused warehouses across the US, was intended to expand detention capacity amid mass deportations under President Donald Trump. Documents released in February showed ICE planned to spend $38.3 billion on the initiative, though only about $1 billion was spent before Noem was ousted.
Noem approved the acquisition of roughly 11 warehouses during her 14-month tenure, but many faced legal and community opposition. In Roxbury, New Jersey, a $129 million warehouse remains empty after a judge halted the project pending an environmental review. Similar challenges occurred in Surprise, Arizona; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Washington County, Maryland.
The Inspector General is also investigating Noem’s policy requiring her approval for contracts over $100,000 and the role of Corey Lewandowski, her unofficial chief of staff. Critics have accused Noem of overpaying for properties, with one warehouse in Salt Lake City purchased for $145 million despite a tax-assessed value of $97 million.
The DHS Inspector General has not officially announced the inquiry, and The Independent has sought comment. The probe adds to scrutiny of Noem’s tenure, marked by controversial detention expansion efforts.
