Sen. Brooks Condemns ICE Detention Center Plan in Southwest OKC

State senator and immigration attorney voices concerns over lack of transparency and community input.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:31pm

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Sen. Michael Brooks, chairman of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, has issued a statement strongly condemning the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plan to utilize a southwest Oklahoma City warehouse as a 1,500-person detention center. Brooks cites concerns over the facility's suitability for long-term human confinement, the potential for negative impacts on the surrounding community, and the lack of transparency and local input in the decision-making process.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention center is seen as federal overreach that could fundamentally change the character of the South Oklahoma City community, which Brooks represents. There are concerns about the facility's impact on public health, safety, and infrastructure, as well as the possibility of it becoming a permanent complex or even a future county jail site.

The details

According to Brooks, the warehouse was not designed for long-term human detention and raises serious concerns about ventilation, sanitation, public health, and safety. There are fears of increased risk of disease, mental health issues, violence, and unrest among the large number of detainees. Brooks also notes that the surrounding neighborhoods, first responders, hospitals, and local infrastructure could be negatively impacted.

  • ICE plans to utilize the southwest Oklahoma City warehouse as a detention center.

The players

Sen. Michael Brooks

A state senator, chairman of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, and an immigration attorney who represents the South Oklahoma City community where the proposed ICE detention center would be located.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that plans to utilize the southwest Oklahoma City warehouse as a 1,500-person detention center.

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What they’re saying

“As a state senator, chairman of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, immigration attorney, and a proud lifelong resident of South Oklahoma City, I am deeply troubled by reports that ICE intends to open a 1,500-person detention center inside a warehouse near Southwest 29th and Meridian, only three blocks from Western Heights Schools.”

— Sen. Michael Brooks, State Senator, Chairman of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, Immigration Attorney (eufaulaindianjournal.com)

“Immigration enforcement must be lawful, humane, and accountable. It must respect human dignity, community safety, and local voices. Warehousing people in unsuitable facilities does none of those things.”

— Sen. Michael Brooks, State Senator, Chairman of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, Immigration Attorney (eufaulaindianjournal.com)

What’s next

Brooks is calling for immediate transparency from ICE, full public engagement, and a halt to any development until the South Oklahoma City community has a real seat at the table.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tensions between federal immigration enforcement and the concerns of local communities, especially those with large immigrant populations. It underscores the need for greater transparency, community input, and consideration of the human and social impacts of detention facilities.