City Response to Homeland Security Property Notice

Background

On Dec. 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent a letter to the Oklahoma City Planning Department. The letter stated the Department’s intention to purchase and occupy a warehouse at 2800 S. Council Road to establish a “new Oklahoma City processing center” for use by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Elements of the project mentioned in the letter include a “guard shack,” “fencing,” “cafeterias,” “holding and processing spaces,” and “health care spaces.”

The letter was sent under a federal law that requires DHS to inform the local government of its determination on whether the project impacts historic property. In the letter, DHS communicated that the project does not impact historic property.

Read DHS Letter to City of OKC(PDF, 802KB)

City of OKC Response, Actions

It is the City of Oklahoma City’s longstanding position that land-use decisions are best made locally. The placement of a detention facility is an issue of local interest that would benefit from a public process involving residents, especially the neighbors of such a facility. Any private sector activity would be subject to such a process.

Though we recognize the legal reality, the City sent feedback to DHS. It also sent a letter to our Congressional representatives requesting their support of a local public approval process.

Read City of OKC Response Letter to DHS(PDF, 320KB)

Read City of OKC Letter to Congressional representatives(PDF, 412KB)

Jan. 29: Property Acquisition Failed - Statement from Mayor David Holt

en español

bằng tiếng Việt

This morning, I met with the ownership of the property at 2800 S. Council Road in Southwest Oklahoma City. The owners are not residents of Oklahoma, and this is the only property they own in Oklahoma City.

The owners of the property at 2800 S. Council Road confirmed to me this morning that they are no longer engaged with the Department of Homeland Security about a potential acquisition or lease of this property.

I commend the owners for their decision and thank them on behalf of the people of Oklahoma City.

As Mayor, I ask that every single property owner in Oklahoma City exhibit the same concern for our community in the days ahead.

City Services Statement

OKC is committed to serving all people. City employees, including police officers and firefighters, focus on their core responsibilities to provide essential services. City employees do not ask about immigration status when providing services. This ensures everyone can:

  • Access City services
  • Call for help in emergencies
  • Report crimes and cooperate with OKCPD
  • Live and work in the community
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