The City of San Antonio Is Pushing Back Against Plans for a New ICE Facility on East Side
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is once again pushing back against a proposed immigration enforcement facility, formally asking the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to reconsider reported plans tied to the city.
In a letter (see full letters below) sent this week to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the mayor raised concerns about reports that a warehouse in San Antonio could be used as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility.
“As I shared with your predecessor, my community is not interested in hosting an ICE processing facility and believes it will further depress economic activity in a part of town that already struggles to attract economic development,” the letter states.
Ongoing Opposition From Local Leaders
This is not the first time local leaders have voiced opposition to the plan.
In February 2026, Mayor Jones joined a coalition of elected officials — including U.S. Representatives Henry Cuellar, Joaquin Castro, and Greg Casar, along with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and Commissioner Tommy Calvert Jr. — in sending a letter to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
That letter expressed strong opposition to ICE’s proposed East Side processing facility and requested an in-person meeting to address concerns about its potential impact on the surrounding community.
Concerns Over Transparency and Community Impact
According to the mayor, that earlier outreach went unanswered.
“I did not receive a response from your predecessor; however, I hope to have a more productive and transparent engagement with your office as we similarly aim to balance public safety and public trust,” the letter continues.
The renewed request signals continued resistance from city and county leadership, particularly over concerns that the facility could negatively affect economic development and community stability on San Antonio’s East Side.
Click the letters below to read in full.
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