The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially notified local officials in Virginia of its intent to purchase a warehouse owned by Jim Pattison Developments.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- Location: 11525 Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland (Hanover County), Virginia.
- The Property: A 550,000-square-foot industrial facility sitting on over 43 acres.
- The Purpose: DHS plans to “rehabilitate” the building into an ICE processing facility. Proposed modifications include holding areas, medical spaces, cafeterias, and extensive security upgrades such as guard shacks and “tentage.”
- The Value: Pattison’s group reportedly purchased the site for roughly $10.4 million CAD in 2022. Following recent improvements, the property is now estimated to be worth approximately $69 million CAD.
Local & Political Resistance
- Hanover County Response: Local officials have clarified they “did not initiate” this project. The Board of Supervisors is meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, to consult with legal counsel on whether local zoning laws can be used to challenge the federal use of the site.
- Community Concerns: Local advocates and residents have voiced fears that the facility will facilitate mass deportations and family separations, contrasting the deal with Pattison’s well-known philanthropic work in Canada.
The Canadian Backlash: Boycott Calls
In Canada, the news has triggered a significant public outcry led by political figures and advocacy groups:
- Green Party Call to Action: B.C. Green Party leader Emily Lowan has publicly called for a boycott of Pattison-owned businesses. She stated that the “billionaire class” should not be profiting from facilities used by ICE.
- Targeted Businesses: The boycott calls specifically mention Pattison’s high-profile retail and media holdings, including Save-On-Foods, Quality Foods, and various radio and outdoor advertising divisions.
- Broadening Scrutiny: The controversy has expanded to include other Canadian firms. Reports have surfaced that Vancouver-based Hootsuite is also under fire for providing social media management services to DHS, with protests planned at their headquarters.
What’s Next?
The clock is ticking for Hanover County, which has until late February (30 days from the Jan. 21 notice) to provide an official response to the DHS. Meanwhile, the Jim Pattison Group has remained silent, not yet issuing a public statement regarding the negotiations or the mounting boycott.
