San Antonio City Council to Discuss Strategies Against New ICE Detention Facility

Council members seek moratorium, legal review, and ways to limit city ties to ICE contractors

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) purchasing an industrial building on San Antonio's East Side for a new detention facility, four city council members have sent a memo to the city manager asking staff to explore a variety of strategies, including a potential moratorium on such facilities, determining if they comply with federal laws, and pushing for federal legislation to bar these centers. The council will discuss the resolution on Thursday.

Why it matters

The city has limited authority to block the ICE facility since federal powers generally supersede local control, but the council members are seeking ways to protect San Antonio residents, limit the city's ties to ICE contractors, and raise public awareness about immigrant rights and the economic contributions of migrants.

The details

The four council members - Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, Teri Castillo, Edward Mungia and Ric Galvan - want city staff to evaluate adopting a moratorium on non-municipal detention facilities, determine if such operations comply with federal laws, and push for federal legislation to bar these centers. They also requested an assessment of ways to require city contractors to disclose if they've provided services for detention facilities, and to explore the city's legal authority to not renew or extend those contracts. Additionally, they asked about adding public signs on resident rights, training city staff, and commissioning a report on migrants' economic contributions.

  • On February 9, 2026, four San Antonio City Council members sent a memo to the city manager.
  • The City Council will discuss the resolution on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Jalen McKee-Rodriguez

San Antonio City Council member.

Teri Castillo

San Antonio City Council member.

Edward Mungia

San Antonio City Council member.

Ric Galvan

San Antonio City Council member.

Erik Walsh

San Antonio City Manager.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow a moratorium on non-municipal detention facilities in San Antonio.

The takeaway

This case highlights the limited authority cities have to block federal immigration enforcement actions, despite local concerns about the impact on residents. The San Antonio City Council is exploring creative strategies to protect the community, raise awareness, and limit the city's ties to ICE operations, though the ultimate outcome remains uncertain.