ICE Facility Confirmed in Lebanon

Story by Mickey Sandlin

Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is looking to establish a new facility.

The facility has a potential holding capacity of 14,000 to 16,000 detainees, according to a statement from Hutto. The site would be located on Cedar Creek Lane, roughly 2 miles away from Wilson Central High School.

The facility would have immediate access to I-840 and be just minutes away from I-40.

Officials previously denied rumors of a new facility, saying ICE had an interest but had not contacted the city. Both Lebanon and Wilson County mayors previously reported that Lebanon would not be the proper place for that kind of facility.

ICE officials have confirmed that they have purchased a space in Lebanon, surprising local, state, and federal lawmakers in Tennessee.