Jimmy Pattison Supports ICE

Jan. 23, 2026

ICE wants to use Hanover warehouse for immigrant processing

County officials have 30 days to respond to the federal agency.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is looking to purchase a warehouse in Hanover County for use as a potential processing facility, according to a letter addressed to Planning Director Jo Ann Hunter.

Hanover officials announced Thursday that they received a communication from the federal Department of Homeland Security expressing interest in the 43-acre property at 11525 Lakeridge Pkwy., south of Interstate 95.

The 552,587-square-foot building in Ashland, known as the Lewistown 95 Logistics Center, is owned by Jim Pattison Developments. The Canada-based developer previously advertised the warehouse as a potential office and distribution center.

Federal immigration officials intend to use the property “in support of ICE operations,” the letter reads. Proposed site improvements may include installing, tentage, a guard shack and additional security access controls.

The move comes amid increasing ICE activity in the state, including an uptick around Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s inauguration on Jan. 17. Henrico County Supervisor Misty Roundtree has warned on social media about reports of door-to-door ICE sweeps in the county.

Spanberger signed 10 executive orders on her first day in office, one of which rescinds an order by her Republican predecessor, Glenn Youngkin, that directed state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into cooperation agreements with ICE for federal immigration enforcement.

(The order does not void the agreements themselves, only the statewide directive to enter 287(g) arrangements.)

Republican Congressman Rob Wittman said in a statement to VPM News that he’s been contacted by DHS officials about their interest in Virginia’s first Congressional district.

"Public safety and the rule of law are imperative in our communities, and our law enforcement officers work diligently to uphold these values,” Wittman said in a statement. “Decisions regarding federal facilities should be made thoughtfully, and I have been in contact with the Department of Homeland Security about these recent reports. I will continue to monitor the situation as more information becomes available."

Wittman was one of several Virginia representatives who voted in favor of a federal bill that would provide funding to DHS — and ICE by extension. Every single one of Virginia's Democratic representatives voted against the bill.

Democratic Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan issued a statement regarding the DHS funding and ICE’s activities following the vote.

“This past year has seen alarming and horrific breaches of fundamental constitutional rights at the hands of ICE,” McClellan said. “Overly aggressive agents have entered homes without a warrant; detained people — including citizens — without due process, some in horrendous conditions; terrorized immigrant communities and shed the blood of American citizens.”

She added that in her district — which includes all of the City of Richmond and parts of Petersburg City and Chesterfield and Henrico counties — ICE agents are escalating their tactics.

“None of this has served to make us safer, and this disturbing pattern of behavior demands drastic action,” McClellan said. “I stand alongside all those who have continued to sound the alarm on ICE’s lawlessness and will continue to advocate for measures that will restrict and end this Administration’s heightened campaign of terror.”

In accordance with federal regulations, DHS has contacted Hanover’s planning department, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and several federally-recognized tribes — including the Pamunkey and Upper Mattaponi — for comment on the project.

In a statement Thursday, Hanover officials said this project was not initiated by the county. Hanover's board of supervisors has 30 days to respond to the federal government’s request. It is set to consider the proposal and potential next steps at its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28 — weather permitting.

[Top photo: A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent stands outside a warehouse being toured for repurposing into a detention facility in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. ICE is seeking a Hanover County building for immigrant processing.]