Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is rapidly expanding its footprint across the United States, securing office space in over 150 locations – often without public knowledge. A recent investigation by WIRED revealed 54 specific addresses, suggesting a deliberate effort to operate with minimal transparency.
This isn’t simply about setting up offices; ICE is integrating into everyday communities. These locations include shared spaces with medical facilities, businesses, daycares, and even churches. The agency is positioning itself near detention centers, where it intends to hold thousands of individuals.
The expansion is happening outside normal procedures. The General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees federal properties, bypassed standard bidding and renovation processes to expedite the operation. Internal documents confirm the intention was to keep these moves secret. This raises questions about accountability and oversight, as well as the agency’s true objectives.
ICE has a $75 billion budget and over 22,000 personnel. Its presence in Minneapolis is not an isolated event; it’s a model for nationwide expansion. Communities deserve to know if ICE is moving into their area, and people have a right to understand who operates within their neighborhoods.
The full scale of this expansion remains unclear. Over 100 addresses are still unknown, particularly in states like New York and New Jersey. The exact nature of operations in some locations is also unspecified, along with the long-term duration of ICE’s presence.
The urgency stems from ICE’s increasing aggression. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has labeled reporting on ICE activities as “doxing,” and agents have escalated harassment and arrests of observers. The administration is betting on courts, lawmakers, and journalists being unable to respond effectively.
Knowing where ICE is establishing operations doesn’t stop its actions, but it gives communities time to prepare for increased enforcement. It also provides legislators insight into the agency’s unchecked authority and signals to the administration that secrecy is not absolute.
The full story is still unfolding. Communities should check if ICE is moving into their areas, and the public must demand transparency. The administration cannot act with impunity.
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