Proposed ICE Detention Facility in Oklahoma City Halted After Community Protests

Mayor David Holt announces the deal between property owners and the Department of Homeland Security will not move forward.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt announced that a controversial proposal to convert a southwest Oklahoma City warehouse into a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center has been scrapped after meeting with the out-of-state property owners. The decision comes after community protests and discussions with the property owners.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention facility had faced strong opposition from local community activists and residents who were concerned about the impact on the community. The mayor's decision to halt the plan is seen as a victory for community organizing and a demonstration of the power of grassroots activism.

The details

Mayor Holt revealed in a Facebook post that the deal between the property owners and the Department of Homeland Security would not move forward. Community organizers, including Fernando Baquera from the Community Response Network, expressed hope that this decision would unify the community to work together for solutions rooted in safety and humanity.

  • On January 29, 2026, Mayor David Holt announced the proposed ICE detention facility would not proceed.

The players

David Holt

The mayor of Oklahoma City who announced the decision to halt the proposed ICE detention facility.

Fernando Baquera

A community organizer with the Community Response Network who expressed hope that the decision would unify the community.

CJ Webber-Neal

The founder of the Neal Center for Justice who emphasized the importance of citizens coming together to address the issue of deporting criminals while ensuring safety and humanity.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is still power in our voice. There is still power in community action.”

— Fernando Baquera, Community organizer (koco.com)

“That doesn't mean that citizens that really want the issue of deporting criminals and removing a dangerous element from our nation can't come together and say, 'OK, what do we need to do to make sure both things can be accommodated?' That's what our nation was built on.”

— CJ Webber-Neal, Founder, Neal Center for Justice (koco.com)

What’s next

Organizers plan to continue with a protest outside the southwest Oklahoma City warehouse on Saturday, followed by a celebration on Sunday. They are also calling on clergy members to attend and pray with the group.

The takeaway

This decision demonstrates the power of community organizing and grassroots activism in halting controversial government proposals. It highlights the importance of citizens coming together to find solutions that balance public safety and humanitarian concerns.