The Chicago real estate firm looking to profit off Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda

February 28, 2026 - 01:46

A Chicago-based real estate investment trust is positioning its portfolio to directly benefit from the federal government's increased immigration enforcement activities. Highlands Real Estate Investment Trust has identified a niche market: leasing properties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for use as detention facilities.

The firm's strategy is built on the current administration's stated commitment to stricter border control and expanded detention capabilities. By converting and offering existing commercial properties, such as vacant hotels, the trust aims to secure lucrative, long-term government contracts. This move reflects a growing trend of private enterprises building business models around federal policy directives.

Company executives have framed the investments as a straightforward response to government demand for bed space, characterizing it as a practical real estate solution. The strategy has drawn attention from industry analysts, who note the stability of government leases but also acknowledge the controversial nature of the underlying policy.

Critics argue that profiting from immigration detention raises significant ethical questions, regardless of the political climate. The firm's activities highlight how real estate and finance sectors can become intertwined with federal enforcement priorities, creating a tangible economic footprint from policy decisions. The long-term viability of this approach is seen as inherently tied to the continuity of current immigration enforcement levels.