San Antonio, Texas, February 4, 2026
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has purchased the Oakmont 410 warehouse on San Antonio’s East Side for conversion into a migrant processing center. This decision has been met with opposition from local officials and residents who express concerns regarding its proximity to schools and community spaces. The acquisition raises significant questions about local development and federal authority, sparking discussions about potential legal and zoning challenges.
San Antonio, Texas
ICE Acquires East Side Warehouse Amid Local Opposition
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has finalized the purchase of Oakmont 410, a 639,595-square-foot warehouse on San Antonio’s East Side, with plans to convert it into a migrant processing center. This acquisition has sparked significant concern among local officials and residents.
Details of the Acquisition
The warehouse, located at 542 S.E. Loop 410, was acquired from Atlanta-based Oakmont Industrial Group. The facility is situated near several schools and a park, raising alarms about its proximity to community spaces. An internal ICE document indicates plans to transform the site into a 1,500-bed processing center for migrants awaiting deportation. The purchase price has not been publicly disclosed, but the Bexar Central Appraisal District values the property at $37.6 million. Oakmont Industrial Group had previously marketed the warehouse as the largest speculative industrial development in San Antonio.
Local Officials’ Response
Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert expressed strong opposition to the facility, describing it as a “historic mistake” and urging the seller to collaborate with local authorities to find an alternative buyer. San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones stated that city attorneys are exploring available options concerning the potential detention facility but did not provide further details. Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez also voiced concerns, noting that federal ownership could limit the city’s ability to intervene due to exemptions from local zoning and permitting rules.
Community Concerns
The proposed facility’s location near schools and a park has heightened community apprehension. Residents and local leaders argue that the presence of an ICE processing center could negatively impact the neighborhood’s image and deter economic development. State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins emphasized the need for economic growth rather than the establishment of detention centers in the area.
Legal and Zoning Challenges
Efforts to prevent the conversion of the warehouse into an ICE facility face legal challenges. Federal properties are exempt from local zoning laws, complicating the city’s ability to block the project. Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert suggested exploring options like filing an injunction due to the lack of required environmental impact studies. However, the federal government’s authority over its properties presents significant obstacles to local intervention.
Background Context
ICE’s acquisition of the Oakmont 410 warehouse is part of a broader initiative to expand its detention capacity. The agency has been seeking to establish processing centers in various locations to expedite deportations. The San Antonio facility would serve as a processing center for migrants before they are transferred to detention centers and ultimately deported. The decision has raised questions about the federal government’s role in local development and the impact on communities.
FAQ
What is the Oakmont 410 warehouse?
The Oakmont 410 warehouse is a 639,595-square-foot facility located at 542 S.E. Loop 410 in San Antonio, Texas. It was recently acquired by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for conversion into a migrant processing center.
Why are local officials opposed to the ICE facility?
Local officials, including Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert and San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, oppose the facility due to concerns about its proximity to schools and a park, potential negative impacts on the neighborhood’s image, and limited local authority over federal properties.
Can the city prevent the establishment of the ICE facility?
The city’s ability to prevent the facility is limited due to federal properties being exempt from local zoning laws and permitting requirements. Legal avenues, such as filing an injunction, are being considered but face significant challenges.
What is the purpose of the ICE processing center?
The facility is intended to serve as a processing center for migrants awaiting deportation, where they would be held before being transferred to detention centers and ultimately deported.
What are the community’s concerns regarding the facility?
Community concerns include the facility’s proximity to schools and a park, potential negative impacts on the neighborhood’s image, and the possibility of deterring economic development in the area.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | Oakmont 410 |
| Location | 542 S.E. Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas |
| Size | 639,595 square feet |
| Proximity to Community Spaces | Near schools and a park |
| Intended Use | Migrant processing center |
| Local Officials’ Concerns | Impact on neighborhood image, limited local authority over federal properties |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
