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Residents urge county to oppose proposed federal detention facility; judge says he is coordinating with congressional delegation
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged the court to oppose a proposed federal detention center/ICE expansion near Eastside schools, citing concerns about medical care, alleged abuses, racial profiling and community impacts; County Judge said he personally opposes the expansion and is working with federal lawmakers.
Several members of the public addressed the Commissioners Court during open comment to urge the county to oppose a proposed federal detention facility and expansion of ICE operations in the Eastside. Commenters said the planned facility would be close to schools, could harm community trust in policing, and cited allegations of mistreatment and inadequate medical care from other detention centers.
Rebecca Flores told the court the detention center would deepen community division and that the county should use its influence to oppose the build‑out. “Do not create more divisiveness in this city with this detention center,” she said, noting its proximity to Davis Middle School and Sam Houston High School. Speakers described reported incidents from other facilities — including medical delays and mistreatment of detainees — and urged the court to act.
Judge Sakai said he opposed the federal facility and is coordinating with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro and the mayor to request direct engagement with the Department of Homeland Security and the acting director of ICE; he said legal strategies under consideration could include court action. The court held a related executive session earlier in the meeting for legal consultation on the matter.
