ICE reaches agreement with AG Mayes to put Surprise detention center on hold

Driving the news: Mayes, who sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in April, announced Wednesday that her office and ICE had agreed to a stipulation that pauses the detention facility plans.

• Under the agreement, ICE won't detain anyone at the warehouse or take any steps to physically convert it into a detention facility until after a federal environmental assessment is completed.
• The stipulation also puts Mayes' lawsuit against the facility on hold.
• The attorney general's office can challenge the adequacy of the review once it's finished.

Zoom in: The attorney general's office doesn't have a specific timeline, but its research shows that such reviews usually take around nine months, Mayes spokesperson Richie Taylor tells Axios.

• A legal challenge to the environmental assessment's adequacy could further delay ICE's plans.

What they're saying: "This agreement is a significant win for the people of Surprise and for the rule of law," Mayes said in a press statement. "Federal agencies must complete the environmental review process required by federal law before moving forward with these types of projects."

• In a statement to Axios, DHS said it remains "focused on removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens" from the U.S. and "is moving swiftly to utilize EXISTING detention space with our state and county partners."

• Officials from Surprise couldn't be reached for comment.

Catch up quick: DHS bought the 418,000-square-foot warehouse near Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road in January for about $70 million.

• ICE planned to put around 1,500 beds in the facility.
• Opponents packed Surprise City Hall to denounce the project, but federal projects aren't subject to local zoning or other regulations, and the city has no control over how the warehouse is used, officials say.