Bexar Co. Commissioner Tommy Calvert says investigations and possible lawsuits are now in motion as opposition grows over a proposed ICE detention site.
SAN ANTONIO — The fight to stop a proposed ICE detention facility on the east side of San Antonio is now reaching Washington, D.C.
Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert traveled to the nation’s capital this week as local leaders continue pushing back against a deal between a San Antonio business and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that would house an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center at the Oakmont 410 warehouse site.
Earlier this week, leaders from the city, county and congressional delegation signed a letter voicing their opposition to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Calvert says he met with congressional leaders who told him they are opening investigations into similar ICE warehouse deals and are prepared to hold hearings on Capitol Hill. He also says national civil rights organizations, including League of United Latin American Citizens, are ready to pursue legal action.
Like he has stated in recent weeks, Calvert says local leaders plan to use every legal avenue possible to block the deal, arguing it represents federal overreach.
The commissioner also claims an environmental impact study required under the National Environmental Policy Act was not conducted before the agreement moved forward. He further alleges DHS may be using a Navy contracting vehicle — the Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract — to quickly acquire properties.
Calvert raised concerns about the purchase price of the warehouse property.
“It was appraised at $37 million and had been vacant for three years. And as a result of the research we did, it has been sold for an eye-popping $66.1 million,” Calvert said. “This reeks of corruption. I wouldn’t be surprised if a year from now we found out that there were folks doing things under the table that were absolutely in line with kleptocracy and corruption.”
Calvert is also calling for further investigation into the property’s ownership history, noting the Hunt family — based in Fort Worth — divested its interest in the warehouse months before the DHS deal. The family was recently awarded a contract related to development projects connected to the Freeman Coliseum and Frost Bank Center following a November vote.
Moving forward, Calvert says he plans to introduce a resolution in Commissioners Court aimed at exploring additional ways to halt the proposed detention facility.
The debate over the project continues, and local leaders say the legal and political fight is far from over.