B.C.-based Jim Pattison Developments cancels Virginia warehouse sale to ICE

Vancouver-based Jim Pattison Developments has announced it will not proceed with the sale of a Virginia warehouse property to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which had planned to use the site as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility.

The 43.5-acre property in Hanover County, Virginia, faced public scrutiny after news emerged that it could be converted into a holding and processing centre amid a wider U.S. immigration crackdown.

The company, owned by Canadian billionaire Jim Pattison, had previously stated it was unaware of the final purchaser or the intended use of the property when it accepted an offer from a U.S. federal contractor.

Hanover County’s Board of Supervisors had expressed opposition to the proposed sale. Board Chair Sean Davis informed residents this week that the board did not support the plan.

Jim Pattison Developments emphasized in a prior statement that any sale was conditional on approvals and closing requirements and that the company intended to comply with all applicable laws.

The decision to cancel the transaction follows mounting public criticism and concern over the property’s potential use.