SOCORRO, Tx., February 3, 2026: We now have more details about an article we brought you yesterday regarding today’s scheduled discussion before the El Paso City Council about a rumored Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility to be built in the city. As we reported, El Paso City Council is set to vote today on exploring options to block any ICE facility in El Paso.
Representatives Lily Limón and Chris Canales put the item on today’s city council calling for discussion and action to have staff develop options to block any ICE detention facility in the community. The city representatives are also hoping to engage surrounding elected officials to work together to keep any new immigration detention facility out of El Paso and surrounding areas.
Although ICE has not formally announced any plans to build a detention facility, there is a three-building warehouse facility in Socorro that is rumored to be under consideration by federal officials as an immigrant detention center.
Socorro Mayor Rudy Cruz, Jr. reached out to us yesterday after our story ran to clarify and comment on the rumored ICE facility in his community.
According to Cruz, “the City of Socorro is aware of the public conversations surrounding a rumored federal immigration detention facility.” However, Cruz wrote that “at this time, it is important to be clear and factual: the City of Socorro has not been approached by the federal government, ICE, or any immigration agency, and has received no notice or communication indicating that such a facility is planned or being considered within our city.” He added that the claims that a facility will be placed in Socorro “are untrue, and we are not aware of any plans involving buildings or properties in Socorro.”
Cruz continued, “we understand that immigration is a complex and deeply personal issue for many in our community,” adding that “Socorro is a city built on family, faith, hard work, and resilience, and we recognize the concern and uncertainty that speculation can create.” The Socorro mayor added that “our residents deserve clarity, honesty, and leadership rooted in facts,” and “for this reason we have reached out to Congressional leaders to obtain this information.”
The Socorro mayor said that residents should know that “our commitment to transparency and factual communication remains at the forefront of our guiding principles.” He continued, “should any verified information or developments arise, the City of Socorro will communicate directly and promptly with the public.” He asked that “until then, we encourage residents to rely on official City updates and trusted sources.”
He reminded the people of Socorro that “this community is more than a moment or a disagreement – it’s our home.” Cruz continued, “we cannot allow frustration or fear to pull us apart,” adding that “when we stand together with respect and understanding, there is nothing we can’t overcome.”
The El Paso City Council has no jurisdiction in the county, Socorro or surrounding communities, but the two El Paso city representatives are hoping that their measure, if approved by their colleagues, will help to stop any future ICE detention facility in the city limits and lead to collaboration between the different jurisdictions to keep any new facility being opened in El Paso.
Yesterday the county commissioners met in executive session to discuss the rumored ICE facility. After emerging from their meeting, the county commissioners tasked the County Attorney with providing a public presentation outlining the status of ICE facilities in the region. The commissioners also tasked the county attorney with developing a plan about using county authority to respond to an ICE facility in the county. They also want the county’s elected officials to begin collaborating with other elected officials over possible action to take on future ICE facilities in the region.
Commissioner Iliana Holguin said that she is “convinced that only by working together at all levels of government will we be able to hopefully prevent” another ICE detention facility in the area. One of the largest ICE detention facilities is at Ft. Bliss.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to our coverage as more details become available.
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