Towns across the U.S. are now grappling with what it means to have ICE detention centers in their backyards,

even towns that overwhelmingly voted for President Trump and support his deportation efforts.

I'm all for doing what's best for the country, but is it best for this

community? That was Georgia resident Stephen Williford talking with the BBC. He's one of those

protesting the placement of a detention center in his community and social circle Georgia. Last week,

hundreds of protesters showed up outside a Maryland courtroom,

while a federal judge temporarily blocked the construction of a detention center in that state.

That pause will remain in place as a lawsuit from the state's attorney general plays out.

Last month, Pennsylvania's governor, Democrat Josh Shapiro, blocked ISIS access to water and sewage

systems in two different counties

where warehouses were bought. While she was the head of Homeland Security, Christy Noam bought

nearly a dozen large warehouses around the U.S. to turn into mega-ice detention centers.

These warehouses can hold up to 10,000 detainees at a time. is projected to spend over $38 billion on not only buying the warehouses,

but converting them into detention centers.

Local leaders argue these centers will overwhelm local resources.

It all comes during a leadership shakeup at DHS and ICE,

and during heightened scrutiny as the death rate at these centers reach a record high.

I'm Jen White. You're listening to the 1A podcast. Today, we ask what are conditions like in

established facilities, and what is the future of these mega detention centers? Answers to those

questions and more after this short break. Stay with us.

Welcome back to the 1A podcast. We're discussing the building of ICE detention centers across the nation

and what that means for the communities living near them. Let's get into our conversation and meet our guests.

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