McKee-Rodriguez says the site sits near schools and parks, raising concerns about placing a federal detention facility in a residential area.
SAN ANTONIO — Opposition is growing on San Antonio’s east side over a possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, with local and state leaders urging residents to speak out as they say a deal could be finalized soon.
District 2 City Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez says a potential agreement between the Department of Homeland Security and Oakmont Industrial Group may be moving quickly. The company owns a vacant warehouse known as Oakmont 410, located at 542 S.E. Loop 410 near East Houston Street.
McKee-Rodriguez says the site sits near Sam Houston High School, Davis Middle School, and Copernicus Park, raising concerns about placing a federal detention facility in a residential area centered around schools and families.
McKee-Rodriguez originally posted about the alleged proposal on Instagram.
In a video posted online, the councilman said Oakmont Industrial Group is allegedly close to closing a deal this week that would allow the federal government to use the property as an ICE detention center. He warned that if the agreement moves forward, the city would have little authority to intervene because federal facilities are not required to go through local zoning or permitting processes.
“Ice centers are sites of documented atrocities,” McKee-Rodriguez said. “Families are torn apart. People are denied medical care. Human dignity is routinely violated.”
McKee-Rodriguez is calling on residents to take action by contacting Oakmont Industrial Group’s offices to demand that the sale be stopped.
KENS 5 went out to the area where the proposed facility would be and spoke to those living near it. No one wanted to go on camera or have their voice recorded, as they were scared because of the nature of the topic.
But they did tell KENS 5 reporter Meredith Haas that if a facility were to be in their neighborhood, they would feel scared. Some even noted that they feel many of their neighbors, predominantly Hispanic, would be profiled. They’re also worried about the unwanted attention the facility would bring.
State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins also voiced opposition in a letter Friday, saying she has spent decades helping rebuild the East Side and believes the area needs jobs—not jails.
Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert said in a statement that he was not previously aware of the proposed deal in his precinct. He added that he is firmly opposed, calling the potential use of the warehouse “some of the most disputable commercial activity since World War II.”
The City of San Antonio says it has not been formally notified of any proposed agreement. The office of Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai says no paperwork related to the deal has been received and that the judge is opposed to the facility.
KENS 5 has reached out to both the Department of Homeland Security and Oakmont Industrial Group for comment, but has not yet received a response.