Hutchins rallies against reported ICE detention center
News reports that ICE is renovating a 1 million-square-foot warehouse to house over 9,000 detainees are rallying the city of Hutchins in opposition, although no permits have been filed and the feds say there are no announcements concerning new detention centers.
During Monday’s City Council meeting Hutchins Mayor Mario Vasquez said the council members are united in their opposition to a detention center.
“Nobody up here on this dais is on board with what they’re trying to put here,” Vasquez said.
Vasquez said when the city has information, he will be the first to share it with the community and to organize a town hall. He did not return calls or an email seeking comment from the Star-Telegram.
The council is holding a special meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday to meet with the city attorney in executive session to discuss the situation. The council will return to open session and could take action.
What we know
The Washington Post reported in December that ICE has plans to renovate a 1 million square-foot vacant warehouse at 950 N. IH45 to house 9,500 detainees. The property is valued at $80 million and is owned by an LLC in California.
According to the city, the federal government has not contacted officials about detention center plans. Hutchins has not received applications for building permits or certificates of occupancy, and it has not received inquiries about water and sewer.
“When and if we have any verified, factual information that we can share, we will certainly do so, as part of our abiding commitment to public transparency and protecting the interests of our community to the best of our abilities,” according to the city.
Asked about reports of a major detention center coming to north Texas, an ICE spokesperson said in an emailed statement, “At this time, we have no new detention centers to announce.
“Every day, DHS is conducting law enforcement activities across the country to keep Americans safe. It should not come as news that ICE will be making arrests in states across the U.S. and is actively working to expand detention space.
“ICE is targeting the worst of the worst including murderers, rapists, criminals, gang members and more. 70% of ICE arrests are of illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the U.S. Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, ICE has new funding to expand detention space to keep these criminals off American streets before they are removed for good from our communities.”
During Monday’s council meeting, Vasquez pointed out billboards that are along the highways that say, “Hutchins, a city on the rise.”
“We’re building a community here. And this don’t match what we’re trying to do here. So, if you think anybody up here is on board with it, then you’re in the wrong building,” Vasquez said.