Woman Ignites KCMO Building Once Eyed for ICE Detention Use
The Kansas City Police Department is investigating a fire that occurred at a warehouse previously considered for use as an ICE detention center. This incident took place at 14901 Botts Road just before 5:50 p.m. on a Thursday. Witnesses report that a woman approached the building, sprayed a flammable substance, and ignited it.
Fire Incident Overview
Local firefighters responded promptly and extinguished the flames before they could spread. After starting the fire, the woman fled the scene. As of Thursday night, police had not released a description of the suspect. The Bomb and Arson detectives have launched a formal investigation into the incident.
Community Reactions
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed his outrage regarding the federal government’s plans to potentially house detainees in local warehouses. He remarked, “I am outraged by federal efforts to place 10,000 human beings in cages.” Mayor Lucas emphasized his confidence in local law enforcement and the judicial system to address the situation appropriately.
Background on the Warehouse
Earlier in the year, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE agents inspected the 900,000-square-foot warehouse. Reports indicated that the property was being considered as a potential detention facility. Kansas City’s Platform Ventures announced that they would not proceed with the sale of the building to federal authorities.
How to Report Information
If you have information related to this incident, you can contact your local police department. For anonymity, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted online or via the P3Tips app. Rewards may be available for actionable information.
Additional Resources
- Annual homicide data for Kansas City is available through the KSHB 41 News Homicide Tracker.
- KSHB 41 News Mug Shot Policy applies to coverage of this incident.
