Georgia leaders urged to block massive Social Circle ICE site

Social Circle's ICE fight hits the Gold Dome

Social Circle residents and state lawmakers are calling on Gov. Brian Kemp to halt plans for a 10,000-bed ICE detention facility that they claim will destroy local infrastructure and overwhelm the small town.

ATLANTA - Social Circle residents and local leaders gathered at the Georgia Capitol on Thursday to protest a planned ICE facility they say will overwhelm their community.

Residents fight 'Community to the Capitol'

What we know:

Social Circle residents and local officials say they have been shut out of federal decisions regarding a new ICE facility. The "Community to the Capitol" campaign was launched out of frustration with the planning process. On Thursday, the group held a news conference at the Georgia Capitol to urge state lawmakers to stand with them in opposition to the project.

Concerns over 10,000-detainee complex

What we don't know:

It is currently unclear how federal authorities will respond to specific infrastructure and transparency concerns, as a formal response has not yet been received. It is also unknown if state lawmakers will take formal action following the community's request for support at the Capitol.

Social Circle faces massive population surge

By the numbers:

The proposed facility is designed to house up to 10,000 detainees. This complex would dwarf the current population of Social Circle, which sits at roughly 5,000 residents. Opponents argue the facility would triple the population of the town overnight.

Social Circle residents protest detention center at Capitol

Residents and local officials from Social Circle and Walton County gathered at the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday to oppose a proposed federal immigration detention facility. The "Community to the Capitol Campaign" brought a bipartisan group of lawmakers together to demand more transparency and community input on the project. Organizers say the facility could impact local infrastructure, water resources, and public safety. Our Deidra Dukes is tracking the response from state leaders.

Infrastructure and safety at breaking point

Local perspective:

City officials have already taken the step of locking water meters at the site, stating the facility's demand would exceed the town’s total capacity. Residents expressed concerns that local law enforcement and emergency services are not equipped to handle a surge of this magnitude. Many fear the project will put a permanent drain on the rural character of the area.