ICE Detains Immigrant Workers En Route to Louisiana Meta Site
On January 14, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained two dump truck operators near the Meta data center site located in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The arrests followed traffic stops conducted in conjunction with the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office.
ICE Actions Linked to Richland Parish Traffic Stops
According to the sheriff’s office’s social media update, ICE agents assisted local authorities during the traffic stops. The two individuals detained were identified as immigrants from Guatemala and Honduras. Importantly, ICE did not access the Meta construction site during this operation.
Details of the Meta Data Center
The Meta site is notable for its size and financial implications. The tech giant is developing a vast AI data center on 2,250 acres of previously agricultural land. Here are some key details:
- Square Footage: 4 million square feet
- Size Comparison: Equivalent to approximately 70 football fields
- Initial Cost Estimate: $10 billion
- Revised Cost Estimate: $27 billion
This situation raises questions about the ongoing enforcement measures by ICE and the broader implications for immigrant workers in the region.
Conclusion
This story is still evolving as more information becomes available regarding the arrests and the construction of the Meta data center. The intersection of immigration policies and large-scale projects such as these continues to attract attention.
