During Tuesday’s meeting, several commissioners made it clear they do not support the project.
SAN ANTONIO — Leaders in Bexar County Commissioners Court have approved a resolution formally opposing a proposed immigration detention center planned for San Antonio’s east side.
The vote comes amid an ongoing debate over a private agreement between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Oakmont Industrial Group to build the facility.
During Tuesday’s meeting, several commissioners made it clear they do not support the project. However, most said their authority is limited because the agreement was made privately and does not involve the county directly.
Commissioners Justin Rodriguez, Rebeca Clay-Flores, and Grant Moody said the county’s options are largely limited to putting its opposition on record.
Peter Sakai also voiced opposition to the proposed detention center.
But Tommy Calvert said he believes the fight should continue beyond the resolution.
Calvert argues the agreement represents a federal overreach because an environmental impact study was not conducted, which he says could violate the National Environmental Policy Act.
Calvert recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to explore possible legal options and said the effort to challenge the project will move forward with or without the county’s direct involvement.
“I was not going to allow my community, our county, to go unrepresented in the courts where we can find justice,” Calvert said during the meeting. “We will pursue that with or without the participation of Bexar County.”
Calvert said he planned to receive a legal briefing Wednesday to determine what steps could be taken to try to stop the detention center from being built.
The proposed facility has been the subject of growing debate in San Antonio since the project was first reported earlier this year.