U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is exploring the use of coworking space across the country, according to The Independent.Â
A March 20 request for information issued by the Department of Homeland Security outlines plans to place more than 300 ICE personnel in flexible workspaces across 42 states and Puerto Rico. The proposed leases would run for 12 months and include private offices or workstations, along with standard amenities like Wi-Fi and printing, according to Yahoo News.Â
Coworking Model Expands Beyond Corporate Use
The request points to a potential shift in how federal agencies use office space, favoring flexible, distributed setups over traditional long-term leases.
It is unclear whether ICE would share space with other tenants, particularly given prior requirements to avoid environments that could create operational or reputational conflicts.Â
Local Pushback and Visibility Concerns
ICE’s expanding presence in commercial office spaces has already triggered concern in several communities.
In some cases, local officials and nearby institutions reported learning about ICE operations only after the agency had moved into shared or adjacent buildings. Reports have also noted locations near schools, healthcare facilities, and residential areas, raising concerns about visibility and impact.
Where ICE Is Looking to Set Up Coworking Spaces
The request includes nearly 100 cities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including:
- Alabama: Huntsville, Montgomery
- Arizona: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Casa Grande, Eloy, Sierra Vista, Pima, Concho
- California: San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Bernardino, Santa Ana, Long Beach, Morgan Hill, Rocklin
- Colorado: Colorado Springs
- Connecticut: Hartford
- Delaware: Wilmington
- Florida: Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Sarasota, Naples, Gainesville, Fort Myers, Bradenton, Niceville
- Georgia: Atlanta, East Point, Leesburg
- Hawaii: Honolulu
- Illinois: Chicago, Rock Island
- Indiana: Indianapolis
- Kansas: Kansas City, Manhattan
- Kentucky: Louisville
- Louisiana: Baton Rouge
- Massachusetts: Boston, Burlington
- Maryland: Baltimore, Frederick
- Maine: Portland, Scarborough, Caribou
- Michigan: Grand Rapids
- Minnesota: Fort Snelling
- Missouri: Kansas City, St. Louis
- Mississippi: Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Vicksburg
- Montana: Savage
- North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Cary
- New Hampshire: Manchester
- Nebraska: Omaha
- New Jersey: Mt. Laurel
- New York: New York City
- Ohio: Brooklyn Heights, Westerville
- Oregon: Portland, Roseburg
- Pennsylvania: Allentown, Altoona
- Puerto Rico: San Juan
- Rhode Island: Crawford
- South Carolina: Columbia, Summerville
- South Dakota: Hot Springs, Mitchell
- Tennessee: Knoxville, Nashville
- Texas: Austin, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Bryan, Cibolo
- Utah: West Valley City
- Virginia: Norfolk, North Chesterfield
- Vermont: Derby, Williston
- Washington: Seattle
- Wisconsin: Maynes
- West Virginia: Martinsburg, Milton
- Wyoming: Casper
Responses from workspace providers are due by March 31, as the agency evaluates how to deploy flexible office space at scale.
