Protests Erupt in Concord Over Potential ICE Facility
Dozens of protesters gathered in Concord, North Carolina, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, to demonstrate against the potential establishment of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Cabarrus County. The protest, organized by Indivisible Cabarrus County, focused on a warehouse located at 7250 Weddington Road, which the group alleges is being considered as a site for the facility.
The City of Concord acknowledged the circulating rumors regarding a possible ICE facility on Friday, February 20, 2026, in a Facebook post. City officials stated they were aware of the speculation but confirmed they had not been contacted by ICE regarding any plans for a detention center within the city or county. The city similarly noted that private property and commercial real estate transactions do not require city review or approval.
The potential facility comes amid reports that ICE is exploring the acquisition of warehouses in multiple states to expand its detention capacity. The New York Times reported on these efforts earlier this week, prompting increased scrutiny and protests in the Carolinas.
Similar demonstrations occurred recently in Columbia, South Carolina, after reports surfaced that ICE’s legal arm might lease office space downtown. Hundreds protested that potential expansion, voicing concerns about increased immigration enforcement operations in the region. Bethany Storlazzi, a Columbia resident who participated in the February 13 protest, expressed optimism about the involvement of younger people in the movement, according to WIS News 10, a WBTV sister station.
Indivisible Cabarrus County has been at the forefront of organizing opposition to the potential ICE facility, claiming that the Weddington Road warehouse is the proposed location. The group’s concerns reflect a broader wave of activism against ICE’s detention practices, and policies.
As of Monday, February 23, 2026, ICE has not publicly confirmed or denied the possibility of establishing a facility in Cabarrus County, and the city of Concord maintains it has received no direct communication from the agency.
