San Antonio City Council to discuss East Side ICE detention site

Council to address community pushback over proposed immigration detention facility

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The San Antonio City Council is set to discuss community opposition to a proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility on the city's East Side this Thursday. The facility, located in a former industrial warehouse, has faced backlash from local residents and advocacy groups concerned about the impact on the surrounding neighborhood.

Why it matters

The debate over the ICE detention site highlights ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement policies and the placement of such facilities in urban communities. San Antonio's East Side has a predominantly Hispanic population, raising concerns about potential civil rights issues and the disproportionate impact on marginalized groups.

The details

The warehouse facility, previously owned by Oakmont Industrial Group, is one of the largest in San Antonio. ICE has proposed converting the site into a detention center to hold undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation proceedings. However, local residents and advocacy organizations have protested the plan, citing concerns about the facility's effect on the surrounding neighborhood and potential human rights violations.

  • The San Antonio City Council is scheduled to discuss the ICE detention site proposal this Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

San Antonio City Council

The governing body of the City of San Antonio, Texas, responsible for making decisions on local issues and policies.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for enforcing immigration laws.

Oakmont Industrial Group

A real estate company that previously owned the warehouse facility proposed for the ICE detention center.

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What they’re saying

“We cannot allow ICE to set up a detention facility in the heart of our community without proper oversight and accountability.”

— Maria Hernandez, Local resident and community organizer (San Antonio Current)

“This facility would only serve to further marginalize and criminalize our immigrant neighbors. We demand the City Council reject this proposal.”

— Juan Gutiérrez, Director, San Antonio Immigrant Rights Coalition (San Antonio Current)

What’s next

The City Council is expected to vote on whether to approve the ICE detention facility proposal at their next meeting on February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

The debate over the proposed ICE detention center in San Antonio's East Side highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the need for local governments to carefully consider the impact of such facilities on marginalized communities.