ICE to turn Hanover warehouse into processing center, here’s what we know about the facility

Jan 22, 2026 - 21:25

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ICE to turn Hanover warehouse into processing center, here’s what we know about the facility

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Plans to convert a 550,000-square-foot warehouse into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility are underway in Hanover County.

County officials said they received a letter on Jan. 22 from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirming the agency's intent to buy and operate an ICE processing facility in Hanover. The warehouse, spanning 552,587 square feet and 43.49 acres, is located at 11525 Lakeridge Parkway in Ashland, right off Interstate 95.

According to county property records, the facility is owned by Jim Pattison Developments, a Canadian-based property management and development company. The one-story warehouse was built in 2023.

ICE plans to buy and operate a warehouse located at 11525 Lakeridge Parkway as a processing facility. (Photos: Hanover County Economic Development)

According to the letter, DHS has plans to modify the warehouse "in support of ICE operations." These proposed modifications include construction of holding and processing spaces, addition of security equipment, upgrades in several areas like the parking lots and fencing and more.

ICE said it has asked for feedback on the project from the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) and the Hanover County Department of Planning. Several federally recognized tribes were also invited to consult on the project, including the Catawba Indian Nation, the Delaware Nation, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and the Upper Mattaponi Tribe.

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County officials said they did not initiate the project. Hanover and the tribes now have 30 days to respond to ICE.

The county's board of supervisors will meet to discuss the notice at the next regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Hanover said it will provide a statement on the issue after the meeting.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said on Jan. 22 that he understands residents are concerned about the planned ICE facility, and that he wants to remind residents of their rights and options when engaging with law enforcement agencies.

"It's incredibly important to us that we keep this line of demarcation between local law enforcement and federal agents," Avula said. "We've been very clear that we're not participating in deportation activities, we're not coordinating with ICE in any way, and that our local law enforcement exists to do the work of local public safety, to keep the community safe."

Avula issued a statement on Jan. 21 reiterating his support for the immigrant community as federal agencies ramp up immigration activities across the country.

8News has reached out to DHS for comment.