Only a Handful of Officials Push Back as ICE Eyes San Antonio’s Largest Warehouse
Updated: Feb 2, 2026, 10:43 P.M.– Federal immigration authorities are moving toward a potential deal that could transform the largest industrial warehouse in San Antonio into an ICE processing facility, drawing sharp opposition from East Side leaders as concerns mount over proximity to schools, parks, and neighborhoods.
According to reports, ICE is close to purchasing a 640,000-square-foot vacant warehouse at 542 S.E. Loop 410, with plans to convert the industrial property into a detention facility– with a deal that could close as early as this week.
The facility sits directly across the highway from Essence Preparatory Public School and near Sam Houston High School, Davis Middle School, and Copernicus Park, prompting alarm from educators, parents, and elected leaders who argue schools are supposed to be treated as sensitive locations.
For a proposal involving the largest industrial facility in San Antonio, located near schools, parks, and family neighborhoods—and tied to a federal system with a documented history of abuse—the lack of broader public opposition has raised concerns. Residents and advocates question why a project of this scale, with citywide implications, has largely been left to East Side officials to challenge alone.
Mayor Jones, East Side Officials, And Judge Sakai Are The Only Ones Sounding the Alarm
County and state officials, including State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, County Commissioner Tommy Calvert, and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, have all publicly opposed the plan, citing community harm, lack of notice, and the documented human rights concerns associated with ICE detention and processing facilities.
State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins urged the City of San Antonio to deny zoning approval for a proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center planned for the city’s East Side, warning that the facility would further burden a community long targeted for unwanted development.
Gervin-Hawkins, who represents House District 120, said the proposal is unacceptable and called on city leaders to block it before any zoning change is considered.
“Wednesday, I saw drawings from children in detention — stick figures with tears, standing behind fences,” Gervin-Hawkins said. “Now they want to build another one of these places right here on the East Side? Hell no. I’ve spent 30 years building up this community. We need jobs, not jails.”
District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones have warned that if the federal government finalizes the purchase, the city may have little legal authority to intervene due to federal exemptions from local zoning and permitting rules.
City Power May Be Limited
While earlier reports suggested zoning changes would be required, McKee-Rodriguez cautioned that federal ownership could override local authority altogether. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones echoed those concerns, calling the proposal “deeply troubling” and confirming city attorneys are exploring limited options as residents voice growing opposition.
“Nobody wants this in our community,” Ortiz Jones said. “Let’s be very clear.”
Project Marvel Promises and East Side Reality
For many East Side residents, the proposed detention center reflects a broader pattern in which large-scale projects are introduced with promises of economic benefit, only for the community to later face outcomes that bring increased harm, surveillance, or displacement.
The San Antonio Observer has documented similar concerns raised during recent citywide debates, including the push for voter approval of Project Marvel, where East Side support was actively sought amid assurances of investment, opportunity, and community benefit — even as residents now question whether those promises are being honored.
As of publication, no official documents related to the transaction have been filed locally. East Side leaders say the coming days may be critical in determining whether the project advances—and whether the community has any remaining say in its outcome.
