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Candidates oppose large ICE detention site near schools, stress rule-of-law and humane enforcement
Summary
Candidates said a proposed large ICE detention site near schools, daycares and churches was unsuitable; the incumbent described local efforts to block the plan and said the county cooperates with ICE only in courts and jails. Opponents urged due process, pathways to citizenship for long-term residents and careful handling of state-federal immigration agreements.
When asked about a proposed ICE detention facility, candidates described the site'selection concerns and differing views on local cooperation with federal enforcement.
Mayor Hutto said a proposed facility near multiple schools and daycares was "not a good place to have a facility like that" and described local work to keep that location from moving forward; he also said local cooperation with ICE is limited to court and jail contexts. Christina Puza Smith criticized the county's participation in 287(g)-style agreements after state policy changes and advocated for pathways to citizenship for long-term residents who are not criminally involved. Gail Hellum said enforcement must respect due process and dignity and stressed the county's primary responsibility to residents.
All three urged caution in any local response tied to federal enforcement and emphasized protecting county infrastructure and services if large facilities are proposed.
