El Paso council directs staff to study ways to block ICE detention facilities, votes unanimously

El Paso City Council on Feb. 3 voted unanimously to direct the city manager and city attorney to develop a plan of action aimed at preventing the installation of any Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities in the city and to coordinate with El Paso County.

The final motion, as amended, also directs staff to report back within 60 days on three specific items: create and present a protocol that would prevent federal law enforcement officers from entering any city facility to search, detain or arrest a person without a signed judicial warrant; explore a moratorium on permitting, zoning and licensing for ICE facilities; and produce a report listing all points of cooperation between the City of El Paso and ICE.

The item was introduced by Representative Limon and Representative Canales. Limon framed the measure as a legal and political plan to oppose any future detention sites, saying the city must be ready and proactive even where it does not have unilateral authority. Representative Limon said, “ICE, you’re not welcome in the city of El Paso,” and urged council to direct staff to identify lawful tools to push back where possible.

Supporters and opponents raised limits on local authority in the debate. Renee…