Warnock Files Amendment to Block Immigration Detention Centers from Social Circle, Oakwood

The amendment is in direct response to the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to build massive detention centers in rural towns despite unified opposition among community members

The amendment was filed for the latest funding package for the Department of Homeland Security, which runs out of funding today, February 13^th

Senator Reverend Warnock: "I'm standing with the residents of Social Circle and Oakwood and fighting to BLOCK these detention facilities from towns that don't want them"

ICYMI from the AJC: U.S. Sen. Warnock moves to block ICE detention warehouses in Georgia

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) filed an amendment to the continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security that would block the purchase of warehouses that will serve as detention centers in Social Circle and Oakwood, Georgia. Specifically, the amendment would prohibit the use of federal funds for the acquisition, construction, renovation, or expansion of ICE detention centers in Social Circle or Oakwood, Georgia.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly considering purchasing a warehouse that will serve as a detention center in Oakwood, Georgia. The news comes weeks after ICE finalized plans to purchase a 10,000-person detention center in Social Circle, Georgia, which has a population of roughly half that size. Both facilities face unified opposition from local elected officials and community leaders.

"The people of Georgia want secure borders; they do not want massive immigration detention centers in their backyards," said Senator Reverend Warnock. "If the Trump Administration focused on getting violent criminals out of the country, we would not need new detention centers straining Georgia's rural communities. That's why I'm standing with the residents of Social Circle and Oakwood and fighting to BLOCK these detention facilities from towns that don't want them."

Following a visit to Minneapolis, Minnesota to meet with faith leaders and visit the memorial sights for Alex Pretti and Renee Good, Senator Warnock opposed funding for ICE at the end of January until there is significant accountability for immigration enforcement in Georgia, and across the country.

Read a copy of the amendment HERE.

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