HANOVER County, Va. (WRIC) -- The Hanover County Board of Supervisors is not supporting plans by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to build a processing facility in Ashland. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to convert a warehouse just off Interstate 95 in to an ICE processing facility on a property spanning more than 550,000 square feet across 40 acres. More than 100 peaceful protesters came out to the Board of Supervisors' meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28, braving the freezing temperatures for hours to voice their opposition both inside and outside the meeting. An anti-ICE protest outside of a Jan. 28 Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting where a proposed ICE facility was discussed. (Photo: 8News)An anti-ICE protest outside of a Jan. 28 Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting where a proposed ICE facility was discussed. (Photo: 8News)Crowd of people at a Jan. 28 Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting, during which a proposed ICE facility was discussed. (Photo: 8News)Crowd of people at a Jan. 28 Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting, during which a proposed ICE facility was discussed. (Photo: 8News) “You want what’s happening in Minnesota to go down in our own backyard?" one speaker asked during public comment. MORE: Hanover pushing back against proposed ICE processing facility in Ashland Other residents urged county leaders to take action. "Regardless of one’s view on immigration enforcement, it is your responsibility to use every power you have as our representatives," one resident said. In a two-page statement, supervisors said that Hanover County does not own the property and has no role in federal immigration policy. They said they oppose DHS purchasing the land.  Virginia Democrats attempt to rein in ICE, federal agencies over immigration enforcement The statement goes on to reveal that county officials were not part of the site selection process and were not consulted on whether the facility aligns with the county’s land use policies or Comprehensive Plan, according to the Board. DHS said the facility would support ICE operations and include holding and processing areas, additional security equipment and upgrades to fencing and parking areas. "The reason we don’t want to see an ICE detention center in Virginia is you've seen what's happened in Minneapolis -- you know what's happening in Minneapolis," another speaker said. "Once they’re here, they are cockroaches. They’re not going to leave." A small number of people spoke in favor of the facility. One supporter said she supported the facility, saying it would get “rapists, robbers, child molesters and murderers" off the streets. Vast majority of Central Virginia ICE detainees are not violent criminals: ICE data Still, the vast majority spoke against the facility.  “Our parents came here about 20 years ago, and they’ve given us a great life -- so them trying to build a detention center this close to where we are right now is something I couldn’t just sit by and not do something about," said one protester. The Board of Supervisors said the facility is not suitable for the area. Supervisors are calling on U.S. senators and representatives to work with DHS to find a different location. The county must submit a formal response to the proposal by mid-February. ...read more read less