Feds Ask Local Towns to Keep Detention Facility Details a Secret

As FEMA reportedly activates detention camps throughout the 50 states, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are building their own detainment facilities in North Carolina. And, they’re asking local governments where the facilities are being built to keep details a secret.

The federal government has offered western Wake towns a double-edged deal. The General Services Administration will divulge details about an immigration-law enforcement and short-term detention facility slated for the area, but the towns must agree to keep quiet.

GSA officials say they’re being as open as possible under federal laws that require secretive planning for the 19,000-square-foot facility, which could land anywhere from Garner to Morrisville. But some local leaders say the offer is a Catch-22, and they’re unsure whether they could oblige without breaking state public records laws.

“If you sign the contract, then you can’t tell citizens what’s going on. And if something bad comes up, then you’re screwed,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “If you don’t sign the contract … if something comes up, people get ticked off and you’re screwed.”

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On Oct. 25, federal employees asked town officials to sign a document stating that information about the project proposals is confidential and affirming that the officials were unaware of any violation of the federal law that requires that secrecy.

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