- Department of Homeland Security is seeking developers for up to $10B in immigration facility projects.
- Firms must have built two federal properties worth at least $25M each and secure top secret clearances.
- The contract is an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) structure with a limited pool of eligible bidders.
- Projects include Border Patrol stations, checkpoints, and possibly new detention facilities.
White House Taps CRE for Major Expansion
According to Bisnow, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a national request for developers to build or renovate immigration facilities worth up to $10B. The effort is led by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and seeks to pre-approve a select group of firms for future projects nationwide.
Posted in December, the solicitation is linked to the White House’s latest policy and funding package. The initiative allocates $170B for immigration enforcement, with up to $45B potentially set aside for new detention facilities. However, official documents only specify Border Patrol stations, checkpoints, and Air and Marine Facilities at this stage.
Strict Selection Criteria
Immigration facility developers seeking these contracts must meet stringent criteria. Bidder qualifications include prior experience with at least two federal projects of $25M or more each in the past 15 years, the ability to secure top-secret government clearance, and the financial capacity to underwrite up to $2B in bonds for construction.
Because of these requirements, industry experts say there is a small pool of firms positioned to compete. Those qualified through this first round will have exclusive rights to bid on future projects under the contract.
Why It Matters
The IDIQ structure allows CBP to expedite immigration facility construction and upgrades without reopening contentious public debates for each site. This approach gives the agency flexibility and speed in responding to operational demands tied to US border security and immigration enforcement priorities.
This level of federal involvement coincides with increased activity and growth in border metro areas, particularly in Texas, where broader immigration trends are already influencing commercial real estate dynamics.
This comes as new federal leadership prioritizes expanded detention and border infrastructure. At the same time, separate multi-billion-dollar ‘Smart Wall’ contracts are underway along the US–Mexico border.
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Next Steps for the Sector
Developers interested in immigration facility projects face a pressing deadline to prequalify under the first phase of the contract process. DHS will position approved firms for significant federal work as it expands its real estate footprint for immigration enforcement in the coming years.
