DHS Detention Plan Scaled Back Under Mullin

DHS detention plan scaled back under new leadership

The DHS detention plan is being scaled back as leadership changes reshape federal immigration strategy.

As of April 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has paused the purchase of new immigrant detention facilities and is reviewing existing expansion plans tied to warehouse conversions.

The shift follows the confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security, marking a change in direction for the agency.

New leadership reshapes federal detention strategy

The DHS detention plan is evolving under new direction after Mullin replaced former Secretary Kristi Noem.

Mullin, a former U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, was confirmed on March 24, 2026, as the 9th leader of DHS.

Officials say the department is reassessing contracts and projects tied to earlier expansion efforts, many of which were developed under previous leadership.

Federal immigration enforcement and detention policies are overseen by the Department of Homeland Security, which manages national security and immigration operations.

DHS detention plan reduced after local pushback

Changes to the DHS detention plan include scaling back or modifying planned facilities in multiple states.

In Arizona, officials negotiated to reduce the size of a proposed detention center by roughly two-thirds following concerns from local leaders.

Adjustments are also being made to a planned site in Maryland as the agency reviews its overall footprint.

Federal program oversight and cost evaluations are often conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, which monitors major federal initiatives.

Agency shifts toward coordination with states

The DHS detention plan now reflects a shift toward greater communication with state and local governments.

Mullin has indicated the agency aims to work more closely with communities rather than move forward without local input.

The department has also been impacted by a funding slowdown, including a reported shutdown period that has delayed several projects.

Immigration detention operations across the country are managed in part by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which oversees facility use and enforcement policies.

The changes come after criticism of a multi-billion-dollar plan to expand detention capacity through warehouse conversions.

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