From PhillyVoice · · 1m 50s
Trump administration scraps plan to use South Jersey military base for ICE detention
Trump administration drops South Jersey military base for immigrant detention after GAO report.
In brief
Trump administration drops South Jersey military base for immigrant detention after GAO report. The Trump administration abandoned plans to use U.S. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for ICE detention after a GAO report found the move wasteful of taxpayer funds. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
GAO report finds waste
The Government Accountability Office reported taxpayer dollars were wasted on ICE detention expansion without a strategic plan.
Trump administration drops plan
The Trump administration abandoned plans to use South Jersey's Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for immigrant detention within months.
DHS certified base for detention
DHS certified U.S. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington and Ocean counties for temporary immigrant detention last year.
Hegseth memo identified staging sites
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth identified Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and an Indiana military post as staging sites for expanded immigrant detention.
ICE expanded detention capacity
ICE's detainee population grew by 71% to 67,180 people from January 2025 through July 30, 2026, according to the GAO report.
ICE bought warehouses for detention
ICE purchased 11 warehouses nationwide for $1.07 billion between January and April 2026 to renovate for immigrant detention.
Administration scaled back expansion
The Trump administration sold seven warehouses after scaling back plans to expand immigrant detention facilities.
GAO report highlights costs
ICE reported $20 million in non-recoverable costs and $12.8 billion in ongoing costs for warehouse security and utilities.
GAO urges efficient use of funds
The GAO report stated it is critical for ICE to use taxpayer dollars efficiently and effectively without a strategic plan.
Administration changes plans
DOD officials stated in October 2025 they no longer plan to build detention facilities on other military installations.
What it means
The Trump administration abandoned plans to use U.S. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for ICE detention after a GAO report found the move wasteful of taxpayer funds.
