ICE didn’t say where the facility was, but a source previously said it was eyeing a 640,000-square-foot warehouse in east San Antonio.
SAN ANTONIO — After days of concern and outcry from local leaders responding to reports that the federal government was on the verge of purchasing a warehouse for ICE operations in San Antonio, the agency told KENS 5 on Wednesday evening that the deal was done.
A source told KENS 5 on Tuesday it appeared a 640,000-square-foot facility on the east side had been bought by ICE, and San Antonio Councilman Marc Whyte, citing “city management,” said it appeared the deal was done. The confirmation by ICE that the agency “purchased land and a facility in San Antonio” is the first time the agency has directly responded to an inquiry about local plans.
ICE personnel did not say where the facility was, but a source previously said the agency’s eye was on a massive warehouse at 418 SE Loop 410, previously owned by Oakmont Industrial Group, which had been taken off commercial real estate listings in recent days.
“These will not be warehouses—they will be very well structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards,” the ICE spokesperson told KENS 5. “Every day, DHS (the Department of Homeland Security) is conducting law enforcement activities across the country to keep Americans safe. It should not come as news that ICE will be making arrests in states across the U.S. and is actively working to expand detention space.”
According to property records, the building on the roughly 36-acre plot is assessed at $37.6 million. Officially categorized as a “mega warehouse,” it was built in 2022.
Tommy Calvert, the Bexar County commissioner who represents the east side, last week shared concerns that the facility “will traffic some of the most disreputable commercial activity since WWII.” And Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, the City Council representative for the east side, had called on constituents to email Oakmont and demand they not make deals with the federal government.
Meanwhile, city officials said Tuesday they had received “no direct information” about the sale, adding that since the city isn’t a party in the transaction, it wouldn’t have been involved. The city also said it had “no zoning authority” pertaining to use of the property since the federal government is involved.
The transaction by ICE could potentially further stoke frustration in a community which has on multiple occasions taken to the streets to speak out against the agency and the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement practices over the last year. CBS News reported in January that ICE had surpassed 70,000 detainees for the first time in its 23-year history, an 84% increase from the same period in 2025.
‘Your hands are not tied’
Seven miles west of where the detention city would be situated, 47 community members signed up to address City Council during a scheduled public comment session. Most of them condemned ICE’s presence in the Alamo City, and many urged city leaders to do whatever is in their means to either delay the federal government’s transaction or even impede ICE operations there.
“Your hands are not tied. Even though the operator and owner of the warehouse is the federal government, local authority still matters,” said one community members, Isabel Herrera.
Another speaker, Tonee Viera, identified himself as a first responder and said “anything ICE-related is a health hazard to all involved.”
No action was taken at Wednesday’s meeting, which featured less than a third the number of speakers who aired their grievances in last month’s special session on local ICE operations. But the emotion was noticeably forceful and urgent in light of news about the agency purchasing a local facility, which some in council chambers likened to a concentration camp.
“You want us to sit down, follow the law and comply with federal orders,” said Jay Mazzella. “But the orders are unjust. ICE actions are unconstitutional and y’all are OK with them being in our city, hurting our people.”
Giovanna Romero referenced recent ICE killings during the crackdown in Minneapolis, telling council members that ensuring public safety is their duty.
“The bullets in Alex Pretti’s back are fact. The bullets in Renee Good’s face are fact,” she said. “Your duty to protect us from these clear and present dangers is not theoretical; it is your moral and sworn obligation by any means necessary.”
“If you want the title of being a leader, you need to step the f***up and demand justice with us,” Savannah Gonzales said.
Some City Council members, including Marina Alderete Gavito and Sukh Kaur, have in recent days shared news on social media about efforts they’re taking in light of the community’s frustrations. Alderete Gavito, the council representative for District 7, wants residents to report potential civil rights violations to SAPD so the city can monitor the data, while Kaur said she’s working with council colleagues to establish a legal defense fund for immigrants.
City staff are expected to brief council members at some point soon about what is and isn’t possible regarding council members’ suggestions.
“I look forward to reviewing those answers and working with council on a way ahead,” Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones told KENS 5.