Virginia county opposes Pattison warehouse sale for ICE facility

Hanover County officials said they oppose the sale and conversion of a Pattison-owned warehouse into a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility; the Department of Homeland Security intends to buy the site but the sale is subject to approvals and the county attorney is reviewing legal options.

A large industrial warehouse in Ashland, Virginia is at the center of local opposition after federal officials moved to purchase it for use by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The site is owned by Jim Pattison Developments of Vancouver. Hanover County leaders told a packed meeting they oppose converting the property into a detention or holding facility. The company said it accepted an offer from a U.S. government contractor and later learned of the intended use. Key facts: - Hanover County Board of Supervisors announced it opposes the purchase and conversion of the warehouse. - The Department of Homeland Security has said it intends to use the 43.5-acre, 550,000-square-foot site for holding and processing. - Jim Pattison Developments said it accepted an offer from a U.S. government contractor and later became aware of the ultimate owner and intended use; the sale remains subject to approvals and closing conditions. - County staff will register the community's concerns with federal officials and the county attorney is evaluating legal options. Summary: Local leaders expressed opposition but noted they have limited zoning power over federal actions. The sale to a federal buyer is not final and remains subject to approvals, and the county attorney is reviewing legal avenues as county staff communicates concerns to the federal government.