Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) purchase and expansion of large-scale detention facilities, including a processing center facility in San Antonio:

“I oppose ICE’s plans to purchase and expand large-scale detention facilities, including the processing center facility in San Antonio, and I’m pressing for clear answers from ICE as this project moves forward.

“It is clear ICE failed to consult with the community ahead of this purchase, but ICE officials have said the agency intends to brief Congress as plans develop.  Based on the information that’s been shared so far, the proposed acquisition and retrofitting of the San Antonio facility could include about 1,500 beds and wrap-around services like medical care, but we still need more details concerning the plans, timing, and potential impact on our community's infrastructure.

“ICE has also stated that these operations would be funded through the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill, which I voted against. 

“ICE hasn’t confirmed a timeline for the San Antonio site, and final staffing and capacity could still change. Nationally, ICE has indicated these facilities altogether could total more than 80,000 beds, though ICE has yet to provide full details to Congress. 

“As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I don’t believe this is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and I don’t support this approach.”

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Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.

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