Jim Pattison Developments says it did not know that its proposed sale of a warehouse in Virginia would ultimately be connected to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

ICE is part of the Department of Homeland Security. DHS plans to purchase the 43.5-acre site for use as an ICE holding and processing facility if the controversial proposed acquisition closes.

The proposed deal has drawn criticism from many people and organizations in B.C., other parts of Canada and the U.S. due to ICE’s crackdown on illegal immigrants, a move that has drawn many protests in Canada and the U.S.

American federal agents recently shot and killed two people in Minneapolis recently, contributing to the onslaught of protests.

Jim Pattison Developments is a subsidiary of the Jim Pattison Group, a conglomerate that holds numerous commercial real estate assets across a wide array of industries throughout B.C., the rest of Canada and the U.S. The Jim Pattison Group was created in 1961 by legendary Vancouver-based billionaire Jimmy Pattison, 97, who originally made his fortune selling automobiles.

Many individuals in Canada and the U.S. have called for a boycott of Pattison’s Save-On-Foods grocery stores and other businesses, creating a public-relations firestorm for the entrepreneur known for his philanthropy, particularly in the areas of medical research and medical-building development. A protest was scheduled for Friday outside the Jim Pattison Group’s headquarters in Vancouver.

In a statement posted on the Jim Pattison Developments website, the company said the industrial building in Ashland, Va., was completed in early 2024 for its own operational use. When those needs changed, the property was publicly listed for lease or sale, and an offer was accepted from a U.S. government contractor.

“Some time later, we became aware of the ultimate owner and intended use of the building,” Jim Pattison Developments said, adding that the transaction “is still subject to certain approvals and closing conditions.”

The company said it does not comment on private transactions as a matter of policy but acknowledged the heightened public debate surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.

“We understand that the conversation around immigration policy and enforcement is particularly heated, and has become much more so over the past few weeks,” Jim Pattison Developments said. “We respect that this issue is deeply important to many people.”

Jim Pattison Developments also said it remains committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations as the proposed sale proceeds.

The Pattison facility’s site in Ashland is part of Hanover County. On Wednesday night, the county’s board voted unanimously against the proposed sale to ICE.

“A DHS facility at this property on Lakeridge Parkway is not consistent with the established land use for this business, residential and commerce area,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Sean Davis.

The county said it has had no role in the proposed transaction and does not have any authority to intervene in it. Also, DHS did not consult the county or provide information after the county issued a request as a result of local rumours. DHS subsequently notified the county about the usage plans in a Jan. 22 letter.

The Pattison site is located within the Lewistown Commerce Center Community Development Authority, a well-planned area intended for commercial and industrial use, the county said. Federal operations are exempt from local zoning regulations, but the county has concerns about whether this location is appropriate given its proximity to retail businesses, hotels, restaurants and several residential neighbourhoods, including a historic district. The Pattison property is also adjacent to county-owned land intended for future public use.

If the proposed ICE detention facility opens, Hanover will lose revenues well in excess of $1 million, the county said. Such revenues would normally go to essential services.

“While the county has no role in federal immigration policy, we are responsible for land use, budget decisions and ensuring transparency and public engagement on matters within the Board’s authority,” Davis said. “Based on what we know today, this property is not the right location for this type of operation.

“Had the federal government contacted us earlier, we could have shared important information about potential impacts.”

Hanover’s board is encouraging DHS to consider alternative locations and work with the county or applicable local government on future site selection to ensure that operations align with community-planning processes.

The county is also asking U.S. senators to representatives to support its effort to move the proposed detention facility elsewhere. Meanwhile, Hanover’s attorney is also evaluating its legal options.

Photo: Jim Pattison Developments warehouse in Ashland, Va.

Photo: Jim Pattison Developments