A significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement is underway. According to internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) documents recently revealed by The Washington Post, the Trump administration is moving forward with a plan to centralize the detention and deportation process by utilizing massive industrial warehouses.

This “feeder system” aims to hold upwards of 80,000 people at any given time, treating the movement of human beings with the logistical coldness of a corporate supply chain.

The Logistics of “Massive-Scale” Detention

The centerpiece of this plan involves renovating large-scale industrial warehouses into detention centers. Rather than the current system of transporting detainees to available beds across the country, ICE intends to funnel individuals into seven primary hubs, each capable of holding between 5,000 and 10,000 people.

These facilities are slated for strategic locations near major transportation and logistics hubs:

In addition to these “mega-warehouses,” the administration plans to utilize 16 smaller facilities, each holding up to 1,500 people.

“Like Amazon Prime, but with Human Beings”

The rhetoric surrounding this overhaul is as startling as the scale. Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons recently compared the goal of the removal process to the efficiency of a global retailer, stating the intent is to move immigrants “like Prime, but with human beings.”

At Cohen, Tucker + Ades, we find this comparison deeply troubling. Immigrants are not “packages”—they are individuals with families, due process rights, and, in many cases, valid legal claims to remain in the United States.

Critical Concerns: Humanitarian and Legal

The transition from traditional detention centers to repurposed warehouses raises immediate red flags:

• Habitability: Commercial warehouses are designed for cargo, not people. Experts warn that these structures often lack adequate ventilation, temperature control, and the plumbing infrastructure required to support thousands of residents.

• Due Process: By centralizing thousands of people in “staging” areas for rapid removal, there are significant concerns regarding access to legal counsel. When efficiency is prioritized over equity, the right to a fair hearing is often the first thing sacrificed.

• Staffing and Safety: Reports indicate that existing large-scale sites, such as the tent encampments at Fort Bliss, are already struggling with severe understaffing. Operating “mega-warehouses” safely and humanely requires a level of specialized staffing that the government has yet to demonstrate it can maintain.

The Current Landscape

As of early December 2025, ICE is holding over 68,000 people, the highest number on record. Notably, nearly half of those in custody have no criminal convictions or pending charges. With $45 billion in congressional funding allocated for detention expansion, the administration is moving aggressively to increase these numbers.

What This Means for You

If you or a loved one are concerned about how these new detention policies may impact your immigration case, it is more important than ever to have experienced legal representation. The “warehouse” model is designed for speed, which means legal windows may close faster than before.

How Cohen, Tucker + Ades Can Help You Navigate These Changes

In an era where “efficiency” is being prioritized over human rights, having a legal team that understands the complexities of the federal system is your best line of defense. Since 1964, Cohen, Tucker + Ades has specialized in helping individuals navigate the harshest shifts in immigration policy.

If you or a family member are impacted by these new detention plans, our team provides targeted legal strategies to protect your rights:

• Deportation Defense: We provide aggressive representation in removal proceedings, ensuring that every legal avenue—from asylum claims to cancellation of removal—is fully explored.

• Habeas Corpus Petitions: For those being held unlawfully or for an unreasonable length of time in these new warehouse facilities, we can file petitions in federal court to challenge the legality of the detention.

• Bond Hearings: We fight to get our clients released from custody so they can fight their cases from the safety of their homes rather than a warehouse.

• Appeals and Motions: If a prior order of removal exists or a judge has issued an unfavorable decision, we handle complex appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and the Federal Circuit Courts.

• Writ of Mandamus: If your application or case is being unreasonably delayed by the administration’s focus on “mass processing,” we can seek court intervention to force a decision.

Do Not Wait for an Arrest

The best defense is a proactive one. If you are concerned about your status or the safety of a loved one, schedule a confidential consultation with our New York-based team today. We will review your case, identify potential vulnerabilities, and build a strategic action plan to safeguard your future in the United States.

In light of the new “mega-warehouse” detention strategies and increased enforcement, having a plan is not just about safety—it is about protecting your legal rights. Use this checklist to ensure your family is prepared for any situation.

Contact us today at (212) 840-0050 or visit our website to speak with an experienced attorney.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains general information and is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. Immigration laws and fee schedules are subject to frequent change. The information provided herein may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should not act or refrain from acting based on information contained in this post without seeking professional counsel from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this post.

Sources:

The Washington Post | ICE documents reveal plan to hold 80,000 immigrants in warehouses

NBC News | ‘Mega detention centers’: ICE considers buying large warehouses to hold immigrants

Bloomberg | ICE Plans Detention Expansion With Deal to Design ‘Mega Centers’