Arizona
$313M ICE detention facility planned for Arizona warehouse divides community
SURPRISE, Ariz. – Lawmakers and community members are demanding answers about an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility set to be built in Surprise. Both sides are weighing in.
Plans for an ICE facility in Surprise are moving forward. At the same time, the battle to stop it is heating up. A Canadian company was awarded the contract this week to turn an existing warehouse into a holding facility, but it comes with all kinds of concerns.
The backstory:
The building at Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road is 400,000 square feet and was originally built for light industrial use. However, it is now set to become a regional intake facility for ICE—or as protesters call it, a “human warehouse.”
A small group of concerned citizens stands in front of the massive warehouse, which is set to become one of the largest ICE facilities in the nation, capable of holding 1,500 migrants. They are worried about everything from safety inside the building to security outside.
GardaWorld Federal, the Canadian company awarded the $313 million contract, is the same company running a controversial ICE facility in Florida nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The company claims to have decades of experience serving migrants from New Mexico to New York, including experienced security staff along with legal and medical professionals.
What they’re saying:
Not every Surprise resident is against the ICE operation. Several spoke out at a recent city council meeting.
“I support our law enforcement. They’re willing to take up that armor as well,” said one supporter. Another resident added, “Law enforcement agents are removing criminals from our neighborhood. It is much safer for me, my family, and my neighbors if those criminals are detained securely as they await deportation.”
The other side:
However, others see the project differently.
“For students, this is not a political matter. It is a safety concern and fear,” said Cali Overs, student body vice president at Dysart High School. “This is something they will have to coexist with in their everyday lives and affect their learning.”
Community leader Lisa Everett also shared her opposition. “I am a Christian and a mother, just a good person before I’m a Republican, and I’m sorry I have to say we don’t want this in Surprise.”
Beyond safety and security concerns, the group has a problem with the way the project is being handled, alleging the Trump administration is bypassing local governments and community input.
What’s next:
The facility could be renovated and ready to open by the end of the year.
The Source: Surprise city council meeting, previous FOX 10 reporting, and interviews with Cali Overs and Lisa Everett
Arizona
Texas-based Buc-ee’s reveals opening date for first Arizona store
Buc-ee’s launching new locations, travel center
Buc-ee’s is adding a new location in northeast Ohio after the company pledged to cover $15 million in infrastructure costs.
Texas-born Buc-ee’s continues to expand across the country with its first Arizona location anticipated to open this summer.
The massive travel center will open in Goodyear, Arizona, on the corner of Interstate 10 and Bullard Avenue on Monday, June 22, the city revealed in a social media post, which warned travelers to expect traffic delays and carry plenty of water, snacks and gas.
Goodyear is located about 17 miles west of Downtown Phoenix.
“Opening day is expected to be a major event, drawing visitors from across AZ and neighboring states. Expect heavy, slow-moving traffic in the area and allow for extra travel time,” the post said.
In anticipation of the opening, the parking lot will open at midnight, while doors will open at 6 a.m. local time. There’s also a ribbon-cutting ceremony that will be livestreamed on the City of Goodyear’s social media channels. The city also released a map to help with traffic flow.
The Goodyear Buc-ee’s will span 74,000 square feet, feature 120 fueling pumps, and will offer all the Buc-ee’s fan favorites, including Texas-style barbecue, homemade fudge, Beaver Nuggets, jerky, and freshly baked pastries.
“Buc-ee’s is a destination and 80% of its business comes from outside the city, which means it won’t take away from our existing businesses,” said Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo in a May 14 news release. “Buc-ee’s will add to the city’s revenue that helps pay for police, fire and streets.”
Buc-ee’s opening in Ohio. Here are other new locations coming soon
Buc-ee’s continues to expand across the country, including in Mansfield, Ohio, USA TODAY reports.
Other openings include:
2026
- San Marcos, Texas: July 27
- Benton, Arkansas: Aug. 17
2027
- Ruston, Louisiana
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Gallaway, Tennessee
- St. Lucie, Florida
- Boerne, Texas
- Monroe County, Georgia
2028
- Mebane, North Carolina
- Lafayette, Louisiana
2029 and beyond
- Ocala, Florida
- West Memphis, Arkansas
- Oak Grove, Kentucky
- Hardeeville, South Carolina (2031)
Nearest Buc-ee’s to me
Locate the nearest Buc-ee’s using the store locator.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
Arizona
Arizona budget pauses tax exemptions for new data centers
In Part Two of Arizona’s Family First Alert Weather Monsoon 2026 special, meteorologists Ian Schwartz and April Warnecke explore the beautiful yet incredibly dangerous nature of monsoon lightning.
Did you know the state of Arizona experiences an average of 600,000 lightning strikes every single year? Our team breaks down the science of how these strikes form and details the catastrophic threat of “dry lightning”—the leading spark behind some of our state’s most historic wildfires. We look back at the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire, which scorched 145,000 acres and destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, as well as the tragic Yarnell Hill Fire of 2013, which claimed the lives of 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots.
We also share the incredible survival story of hiker Scott Courtright, who was struck by a bolt of lightning while atop Humphreys Peak. While there is a 90% survival rate for lightning strikes, 80% of survivors suffer lifelong health impacts, including neurological damage, depression, and PTSD. Ian and April debunk common lightning safety myths (like the belief that rubber shoes or “Crocs” will protect you) and explain why you should avoid taking a shower or using corded electronics during a storm.
Plus, Jennifer Armbruster from the Arizona Humane Society joins us with her dog Bubbles to share vital summer safety tips for your pets. We highlight why it is actually illegal in the city of Phoenix to keep a dog tethered outdoors during a monsoon warning.
Finally, we look at the official climate outlook for the rest of the Monsoon 2026 season and explore how an emerging El Niño setup could bring much-needed rain—and cooler, cloud-covered days—to our dry desert.
Stay safe and stay weather aware this monsoon season. Watch the full episode now!
Arizona
Arizona police make arrest around Nancy Guthrie’s home
Local law enforcement in Arizona are increasing efforts to address unlawful behaviors from visitors in the neighborhood where Nancy Guthrie resided. Following Guthrie’s disappearance from her home on January 31st, residents have reported a surge in dubious activities, prompting the sheriff’s office to take action.
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