The federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has purchased land and a facility in San Antonio, Texas, confirming weeks of speculation and local concern. The agency finalized the deal on Wednesday, according to a statement to KENS 5, though the exact location remains undisclosed.
ICE Confirms San Antonio Facility Purchase
Reports surfaced Tuesday indicating ICE had acquired a 640,000-square-foot warehouse on the east side of the city, a claim supported by San Antonio Councilman Marc Whyte, who cited information from “city management.” ICE has since confirmed the purchase, marking the first direct response to inquiries regarding its plans in the area.
While ICE has not publicly identified the property, sources indicate the agency targeted a large warehouse at 418 SE Loop 410, formerly owned by Oakmont Industrial Group. The property was reportedly removed from commercial real estate listings in recent days.
An ICE spokesperson clarified that the facility will not be used for warehousing, but rather as a “very well structured detention facility meeting our regular detention standards.” The agency stated it routinely conducts law enforcement activities across the country and is actively working to expand detention space.
Community Response and Concerns
The purchase has drawn swift criticism from local leaders and community members. Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert expressed concern that the facility “will traffic some of the most disreputable commercial activity since WWII.” City Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez previously urged constituents to contact Oakmont Industrial Group to protest a potential deal with the federal government.
During a City Council meeting on Wednesday, 47 community members voiced opposition to ICE’s presence in San Antonio, urging city leaders to explore options to delay or impede the agency’s operations. Isabel Herrera stated, “Your hands are not tied. Even though the operator and owner of the warehouse is the federal government, local authority still matters.”
City officials stated they received “no direct information” about the sale and have no zoning authority over the property due to federal involvement. However, some council members, including Marina Alderete Gavito and Sukh Kaur, are exploring potential responses, such as monitoring civil rights violations and establishing a legal defense fund for immigrants.
The transaction comes as ICE’s detainee population has reached record levels. CBS News reported in January that ICE surpassed 70,000 detainees, an 84% increase from the same period in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICE planning to do with the facility?
According to ICE, the facility will be used as a detention center, meeting the agency’s regular detention standards.
Has the city of San Antonio been involved in the purchase?
City officials state they have not been directly involved in the transaction, citing a lack of direct information and the federal government’s involvement.
What has been the community response to the purchase?
The purchase has been met with significant opposition from local leaders and community members, who have expressed concerns about the impact of ICE’s presence in San Antonio.
As city staff prepare to brief council members on potential courses of action, it remains to be seen how San Antonio will respond to ICE’s expanded footprint. It is possible the city will seek legal avenues to challenge the facility’s operation, or explore ways to mitigate its impact on the community. Further community organizing and protests are also likely.
