Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on Platform Ventures’ Decision Not to Sell South Kansas City Warehouse for Proposed ICE Detention Facility

(Kansas City, MO) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after Platform Ventures announced they will not sell their south Kansas City warehouse for the purpose of a mega Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center.

"I welcome Platform Ventures' decision to not move forward with the sale of its south Kansas City warehouse.

"From the outset, I had serious concerns about the scope, oversight, and justification for placing a large-scale immigration detention center in Missouri's Fifth District. That is why I sent two letters to Secretary Noem demanding transparency from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about their intentions and process. The questions I raised in my letters remain part of a broader responsibility Congress has to conduct oversight of DHS and ensure its actions are aligned with the law, basic standards of accountability, and human dignity.

"While this specific sale will not move forward, my concerns about the expansion of mass detention and the lack of transparency surrounding immigration enforcement decisions have not changed. Congress has a constitutional obligation to serve as a check on the executive branch, and I will continue pressing DHS for answers wherever due process, human rights, and fiscal responsibility are at stake.

"Kanas Citians deserve thoughtful public policy, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and federal actions that respect both the law and the communities they impact. I remain committed to ensuring DHS is held accountable - in Missouri's Fifth District and nationwide."

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.