A 552,587 square foot building in Virginia that ICE wants to turn into a holding and processing facility/Photo: loopnet.com

By Pattison Media

Pattison addresses property sale connected to proposed ICE facility

Jan 28, 2026 | 4:59 PM

Jim Pattison Developments said it plans to fulfill commitments made in a property sale with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The property-arm of the Vancouver-based conglomerate Jim Pattison Group has been facing criticism after it emerged that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was planning to buy one of its properties in Virginia to use as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “holding and processing” facility.

“As a matter of policy, we do not comment on private transactions,” read a statement issued late Tuesday by Jim Pattison Developments. “However, we understand that the conversation around immigration policy and enforcement is particularly heated, and has become much more so over the past few weeks. We respect that this issue is deeply important to many people.”

The company said in early 2024, it completed construction of an industrial building in Ashland, Virginia for company operations. When operating needs changed, the property was publicly listed, and an offer was accepted to sell the building to a US government contractor.

The statement went on to say, “Sometime later, we became aware of the ultimate owner and intended use of the building. This transaction is still subject to certain approvals and closing conditions. We remain committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations as we work to divest this asset.”

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Homeland Security sent a letter to the Hanover County planning department in Hanover, Va., last Wednesday, sharing its intent to “purchase, occupy and rehabilitate” the warehouse property. It wants to build “holding and processing spaces,” as well as offices and cafeterias. Other additions could include “tentage and a guard shack,” the letter said.

The Hanover County board of supervisors will discuss ICE’s proposed purchase of the Pattison site on Wednesday.

A closed meeting with lawyers to discuss “county zoning and regulatory authority related to federal government uses” will be followed by a public meeting, which protesters have said they plan to attend.

On Tuesday, British Columbia’s attorney general said business leaders in the province need to consider what connections they might have to what’s happening with ICE.

Two people have been shot dead by federal agents amid the crackdown in Minneapolis, triggering widespread protests.

“Just like the rest of the world, we watch in horror what’s happening there,” Niki Sharma said at an unrelated press conference in Vancouver.

“I think that calls upon business leaders across this province, (and) the whole country, to think about their role in what is unfolding there and to make decisions that would not lead to some of the outcomes that we’re seeing unfold in the states.”

U.S. procurement records show another Vancouver-based company, Hootsuite, is providing social media services to the Department of Homeland Security.

The contract between Homeland Security and New York-based Seneca Strategic Partners to provide “social media management platform Hootsuite and support services” is worth up to US$2.8 million, according to a U.S. government procurement website.

Hootsuite has not responded to requests for comment.

–With files from The Canadian Press