San Antonio, February 5, 2026
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has purchased a vacant facility in San Antonio, Texas, planned for conversion into a detention center. The agency has not disclosed specifics such as the location or purchase price, which has sparked concerns among local officials and community leaders. The acquisition aims to expand ICE’s detention capacity amid ongoing debates about federal authority and local control over such facilities.
San Antonio, Texas – ICE Purchases Facility for Detention Center
San Antonio, Texas – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed the acquisition of a facility in San Antonio intended for use as a detention center. The agency did not disclose the exact location or purchase price of the property. This development has raised concerns among local officials and community members.
Details of the Acquisition
ICE has purchased a vacant 639,595-square-foot facility in San Antonio. The agency stated that the facility will be converted into a detention center that meets its regular detention standards. However, ICE did not provide specific details about the property’s location or the cost of the acquisition. The purchase is part of a broader effort by ICE to expand its detention capacity nationwide.
Local Reactions and Concerns
The acquisition has prompted strong reactions from local officials and community leaders. Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert expressed opposition to the facility, calling it a “historic mistake.” Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones indicated that city attorneys are exploring potential options in response to the acquisition, though she acknowledged the city’s limited authority in such matters.
State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins also voiced her concerns, stating that the facility would further burden a community already facing challenges. She emphasized the need for jobs rather than additional detention centers.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
City officials have noted that federal facilities are exempt from local zoning and permitting requirements, which limits the city’s ability to intervene in the establishment of such facilities. This exemption has raised questions about the extent of local control over federal property acquisitions and their intended uses.
Background on ICE’s Expansion Efforts
ICE has been actively seeking to expand its detention capacity to accommodate a growing number of detainees. The agency has acquired properties in other locations, including Surprise, Arizona, Hagerstown, Maryland, and El Paso, Texas, for similar purposes. These acquisitions are part of a broader strategy to increase detention space in response to immigration enforcement activities.
Community and Political Response
Local leaders, including U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro and Greg Casar, have expressed strong opposition to the expansion of ICE facilities in San Antonio. They have stated their intent to use all available means to prevent the establishment of new detention centers in the area.
Conclusion
The confirmation of ICE’s purchase of a facility in San Antonio for a detention center has sparked significant concern among local officials and community members. The situation highlights ongoing debates over federal authority, local control, and the expansion of immigration detention facilities in the United States.
FAQ
What is the size of the facility purchased by ICE in San Antonio?
The facility is a vacant 639,595-square-foot property in San Antonio.
Did ICE disclose the exact location or purchase price of the property?
No, ICE did not disclose the exact location or purchase price of the property.
What is the intended use of the facility acquired by ICE?
The facility is intended to be converted into a detention center that meets ICE’s regular detention standards.
How have local officials responded to the acquisition?
Local officials, including Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert and Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, have expressed opposition to the facility, citing concerns about its impact on the community and the city’s limited authority over federal property acquisitions.
What is the broader context of ICE’s expansion efforts?
ICE has been actively seeking to expand its detention capacity nationwide, acquiring properties in locations such as Surprise, Arizona, Hagerstown, Maryland, and El Paso, Texas, for similar purposes.
Key Features of the ICE Facility Acquisition in San Antonio
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility Size | 639,595 square feet |
| Location | San Antonio, Texas (exact location undisclosed) |
| Intended Use | Conversion into a detention center meeting ICE’s regular detention standards |
| Local Response | Opposition from local officials and community leaders |
| Federal Authority | Federal facilities exempt from local zoning and permitting requirements |
| Broader Context | Part of ICE’s nationwide effort to expand detention capacity |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
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