Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) is celebrating new reporting that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to sell or give away warehouses in Social Circle and Oakwood, Georgia.
What does this mean for the City of Social Circle? It means that the DHS will no longer establish its proposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center and has relented to local opposition.
What lawmakers and key figures had to say:
- Sen. Raphael Warnock: “Today is a victory for the people of Georgia. When we stand up and speak out, the power of the people is more powerful than the people in power. I was proud to elevate the concerns of the people of Social Circle and Oakwood over the past four months to pressure the administration to backtrack on their dangerous plans. The people of Social Circle and Oakwood didn’t vote for me, but I still fought for them because I was elected to serve all Georgians.”
- City of Social Circle’s Official Statement: “The City of Social Circle has received notification from Congressman Mike Collins that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is no longer pursuing an ICE detention facility within the City of Social Circle. This information is based on confirmation from multiple sources within DHS.”
- Continued: “Social Circle also extends its gratitude to Senator Raphael Warnock and his office for visiting the community to better understand local concerns regarding the proposed facility. The City appreciates the continued communication from Senator Warnock's office throughout this process and its efforts to help elevate awareness of the matter.”
Context: In March, Sen. Warnock joined Social Circle leaders in voicing opposition to DHS efforts to open the new detention facility and committed to opposing it for good.
The Senator’s visit came after local leaders were blindsided by the Trump Administration’s decision to bring the new detention facility to the community.
Representative Mike Collins (R-GA) also came to the city’s defense and acted as an important liaison between city officials and the DHS.
While serving in this role, the Representative facilitated communication, obtained answers to questions raised by the City, and provided updates as information became available.
