Democrat Gareth Fenley and conservative John Miller share a daily mission. Each morning, they drive farm-lined roads to patrol an empty Georgia warehouse. They search for construction signs and celebrate when none appear.
US Department of Homeland Security bought the million-square-foot building in February. The $38.3 billion plan aims to build dozens of immigration detention centers nationwide. Social Circle—a Trump stronghold—fiercely opposes the 10,000-person facility.
Residents fear tripling population will drain resources from their one-stoplight town. The quaint Blue Willow Inn buffet destination could become a prison town. “Detention center, not welcome here,” Fenley declared.
City Manager Eric Taylor cut water access in March. “Opening that meter gives full city supply access,” Taylor explained. “I need impact data first.”
Plans now pause. DHS reviews policies under new leadership and cancelled Social Circle meetings. The agency bought the warehouse but holds off further warehouse purchases.
John Miller stays cautiously optimistic. “They bought it already,” he noted. “Some effects remain regardless.”
