Social Circle denies plans for a controversial ICE detention facility

A quiet Georgia town becomes the center of a national debate. Officials insist no ICE detention plans exist—so where did the rumors begin?

, and Administrator

2026 January 3 . 11:22 PM

1 min read

In the image there is an architecture and in front of the architecture there is a lot of snow and... — In the image there is an architecture and in front of the architecture there is a lot of snow and the trees are also covered with ice.

The small city of Social Circle has denied claims that it will host a new ICE detention facility. Reports from The Washington Post suggested the area could hold thousands of detainees, but local officials say no such plans exist. The city has not received any communication from federal authorities about the proposal.

Social Circle, home to around 4,974 residents according to the 2020 census, firmly opposes the idea of an ICE detention centre. City leaders stated they have had no contact with ICE or the federal government regarding the facility. The denial follows media speculation that the area might be one of several sites for detaining 5,000 to 10,000 people.

The city’s position is clear: it does not support the construction of such a facility within its boundaries or nearby. Officials have not engaged in any discussions about housing detainees, and no formal proposals have been made.

Without any official communication from ICE, Social Circle maintains that the reports are unfounded. The city’s stance remains unchanged, with no plans to move forward with a detention centre. The issue appears to stem from speculation rather than concrete proposals.