Senator Investigates Homeland Security Detention Center Purchase Cost

Senator Hassan questions the $495 million federal purchase of a Minnesota immigration detention facility.

Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan is probing the Department of Homeland Security over a $495 million immigration detention facility purchase in Minnesota. The inquiry follows reports that the property was previously offered to the state for a much lower price. Department officials have dismissed the mounting congressional investigations as politically motivated.

• The discrepancyThe facility's seller allegedly offered the same property to Minnesota for $75 million before the federal acquisition.
• The political contextSenator Hassan is preparing to lead the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
• The defenseDepartment of Homeland Security officials claim the upcoming congressional oversight probes are driven by political motives.