The 43-acre site of the proposed ICE detention facility at 50 Robert Milligan Pkwy. in Merrimack. Courtesy image/Cushman & Wakefield

MERRIMACK – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently announced its plans to invest $158 million to retrofit the proposed immigration detention facility at 50 Robert Milligan Pkwy.

The agency, which oversees the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, plans to spend another $146 million to fund operations for the first three years. The project will be funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which took effect on July 4, 2025. Federal officials expect the retrofit process will produce 1,252 jobs while 265 employees will be needed for the facility’s daily operations.

In addition, the facility is projected to pay $10.7 million in taxes. Within that figure, Merrimack will receive approximately $410,123.

ICE expects the facility to be operational by Nov. 30. It will be designed to hold up to 1,500 detainees for up to seven days at a time. This will be a temporary holding facility before detainees are sent to larger facilities where they will ultimately be deported.

In addition to Merrimack, another 15 smaller detention centers are being planned elsewhere across the country. This is part of an effort to implement a new detention model by the end of fiscal year 2026. The model will bolster capacity by 92,600 beds and has already added 12,000 ICE agents.

“These facilities will ensure the safe and humane civil detention of aliens in ICE custody, while helping ICE effectuate mass deportations,” said Homeland Security officials, adding that detention facilities will comply with the latest ICE National Detention Standards. “This model will incorporate all existing detention standards and will maximize operational efficiency, minimize costs, shorten processing times and promote the safety, dignity, and respect of all aliens in ICE custody.”

Homeland Security officials said the new facilities will fulfill basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene products, bedding and recreation. The ICE Health Services Corps. would also provide medical, dental and emergency services.

“Our engineers believe the proposed solutions and the contingencies, will provide no adverse effect on the community and surrounding properties,” said Homeland Security officials.