GEORGIA (WRBL) — Plans for a new ICE detention facility in Social Circle have been officially halted, as announced by city leaders on Thursday.
The update came through Congressman Mike Collins, who informed local officials that the proposed site for the detention center might be sold unless other federal agencies find a use for the land.
“We are optimistic that the land will once again become part of the local tax base, boosting the economic growth and sustainability of the Social Circle area,” city officials remarked in a Thursday statement. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our community during this period of uncertainty.”
The city expressed appreciation for the efforts of Congressman Collins, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, Senator Jon Ossoff, and other elected officials, alongside community leaders and advocates for their support of Social Circle residents.
Senator Warnock addressed the media on Friday, commending the Department of Homeland Security’s choice to abandon the detention center project in Social Circle.
I was proud to elevate the concerns of the people of Social Circle over the past four months. To pressure the administration to backtrack on their dangerous plans, including several conversations I had directly with the Secretary of Homeland Security, my former colleague here in the United States Senate. In March, I visited Social Circle to speak directly to the citizens there about their concerns. I promised the people of Georgia that I would walk with them as I worked for them. Grateful for this victory today for Georgia.
-Rev. Raphael Warnock, United States Senator from the State of Georgia
In a statement issued on Friday morning, Sen. Ossoff echoed similar sentiments.
“From the beginning, the Social Circle community united against this proposal, which risked overwhelming the city’s infrastructure. This news proves yet again that public pressure and opposition works. I congratulate Social Circle Mayor David Keener, City Manager Eric Taylor, and the entire community on this achievement, and I will continue fighting alongside Georgia communities against overreach by this administration.”
-Jon Ossoff, United States Senator from the State of Georgia
Social Circle is located roughly 40 miles east of Atlanta, in Walton and Newton counties, and currently maintains a population of 5,000 people.