They were denied.

"In February 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attempted to purchase a 920,000-square-foot industrial warehouse in South Kansas City, Missouri, for a large-scale immigration detention center. Following intense local protest and pressure from city leaders, owner Platform Ventures announced on February 12, 2026, that it would not move forward with the sale to the federal government.

Key Details of the Situation
Location & Scope: The targeted facility was a warehouse at the former Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, known as the "I-49 Industrial Center". It was rumored to be designed for up to 7,500–10,000 detainees, part of a broader DHS push to expand nationwide detention capacity.

The Reaction: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and other local leaders vehemently opposed the plan, calling it "offensive to the dignity and human rights" of potential detainees. The City Council passed a five-year moratorium on private detention centers not operated by the city.

Result: Platform Ventures ceased negotiations. Subsequent to the announcement, a fire was set at the site in an apparent act of arson, according to local officials.

Context: This was part of a larger, aggressive push by federal authorities to acquire warehouse space for expanded immigrant detention in the Midwest, a move that has faced significant community resistance."