San Antonio, February 2, 2026
Local leaders in San Antonio are actively opposing a proposed ICE detention facility intended to be established at 542 Southeast Loop 410. State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins has urged city officials to deny zoning approval, advocating for job creation over detention centers. The facility, currently a warehouse, requires special zoning due to its industrial status. Protests have taken place, showcasing community resistance against the establishment that may negatively affect the area. Local officials continue to press for economic development and social services instead of detention facilities.
San Antonio, Texas – Local leaders are actively opposing the establishment of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility on the city’s East Side. State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins has called on city officials to deny zoning approval for the proposed facility, emphasizing the community’s need for jobs rather than detention centers. The facility, located at 542 Southeast Loop 410, is a 639,595-square-foot warehouse that ICE is reportedly considering converting into a detention center. However, the site’s current industrial zoning does not permit human occupancy, necessitating a special-use permit from the city. Gervin-Hawkins has urged the City Council to block any rezoning requests and to hold a public hearing before making a decision.
The potential acquisition of the Oakmont 410 warehouse by ICE has raised significant concerns among local officials and community members. Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert has expressed opposition to the conversion of the facility into a detention center, citing potential negative impacts on the community and questioning the facility’s suitability for such use. The proposed location is situated in a community that has historically been targeted for unwanted development, further intensifying local opposition.
In response to the proposed facility, local activists and community members have organized protests to voice their opposition. Demonstrations have been held in downtown San Antonio, with participants chanting slogans that emphasize the message of welcoming immigrants. These protests are part of a broader wave of nationwide demonstrations against ICE’s actions, reflecting a rising sentiment against newly proposed detention centers.
The controversy surrounding the proposed ICE detention facility on San Antonio’s East Side highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities. As the situation unfolds, local leaders and residents continue to advocate for the community’s interests, emphasizing the need for economic development and social services over the establishment of detention centers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed ICE detention facility in San Antonio?
The proposed facility is a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center that ICE is reportedly considering establishing at 542 Southeast Loop 410, a 639,595-square-foot warehouse on San Antonio’s East Side. The facility would require a special-use permit from the city due to its current industrial zoning, which does not permit human occupancy.
Why are local leaders opposing the proposed facility?
Local leaders, including State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, are opposing the facility because they believe the community needs jobs and economic development rather than a detention center. They are concerned about the potential negative impacts on the community and question the facility’s suitability for such use.
What actions have been taken in response to the proposed facility?
In response to the proposed facility, local activists and community members have organized protests in downtown San Antonio, voicing their opposition to ICE’s actions and the establishment of the detention center. These demonstrations are part of a broader wave of nationwide protests against ICE’s actions.
What is the current status of the proposed facility?
The proposed facility is still under consideration by ICE, and the City of San Antonio has not yet made a decision regarding the special-use permit required for its establishment. Local leaders and community members continue to advocate for the community’s interests, emphasizing the need for economic development and social services over the establishment of detention centers.
Key Features of the Proposed ICE Detention Facility
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 542 Southeast Loop 410, San Antonio’s East Side |
| Facility Size | 639,595 square feet |
| Zoning Status | Industrial zoning; requires special-use permit for human occupancy |
| Community Response | Opposition from local leaders and residents; organized protests |
| Decision Status | Awaiting City of San Antonio’s decision on special-use permit |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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.
