Massive Dallas-area warehouse will not be used as an ICE detention center

Owners of a million-square-foot warehouse near Hutchins, Texas, said they will not sell or lease the building to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The statement follows reports that the site was listed among locations considered for possible conversion into large detention facilities.

The owners of a million-square-foot warehouse near Hutchins, Texas, said on Monday they will not sell or lease the building to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The announcement came after national news reports said the site was among locations identified by the Department of Homeland Security for potential conversion into detention space. Residents and city leaders in Hutchins had voiced concern because a facility at the site could reportedly hold thousands, far exceeding the city's population. City officials also said the federal government had not contacted Hutchins about permits or plans. Key facts: - Majestic Realty Co. said it was contacted about a potential sale but would not enter into any agreement to sell or lease the building to the Department of Homeland Security for use as a detention facility. - The warehouse is roughly one million square feet and is located along I-45 about 12 miles southeast of downtown Dallas. - Reports from outlets including The Washington Post and Bloomberg listed the Hutchins site among about two dozen locations DHS had identified for possible conversion. - Media accounts reported a converted facility at the site could hold up to 10,000 people, while Hutchins has a population of about 6,000. - Hutchins city leaders, including Mayor Mario Vasquez, have said the federal government had not contacted the city and residents raised concerns at a recent City Council meeting. Summary: The developer's statement removes the immediate prospect of the warehouse being used as a federal detention site and follows widespread local concern. Undetermined at this time.