The San Antonio City Council passed a resolution on Thursday, directing city staff to evaluate more than 20 potential actions that challenge the federal government when it comes to immigration matters while at the same time protecting the rights of all residents.
The 9-2 vote came after hours of public comment and discussion among the city council. Councilmembers Marc Whyte and Misty Spears voted against the resolution.
The vote comes one day after Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones urged Texas congressional leaders not to fund the planned ICE detention center on the east side.
An Atlanta-based real estate company sold the massive facility for more than $60 million to the federal government, sparking pushback from the city and immigration rights advocates.
The resolution follows a Feb. 5 memo filed by Councilmembers Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, Edward Munguia, Teri Castillo and Ric Galvan, requesting a public meeting and formal review of strategies to “protect all San Antonians.”
“We also filed it to ensure that we are not complicit in any harm against our community and that any cooperation be limited to what is strictly required,” McKee-Rodriguez said during Thursday’s meeting.
Among the actions city staff will now evaluate is a possible freeze on new non-municipal detention facilities. This would also include halting approval of building permits, zoning changes and development plans tied to privately operated detention centers.
The city will also determine whether any such facilities comply with applicable federal and environmental laws and explore adding federal legislative opposition to detention facilities to the city’s advocacy agenda.
Another key question raised during the meeting involves utilities. McKee-Rodriguez asked whether the city could limit services such as water and electricity to the proposed facility.
City Attorney Andy Segovia said state law governs those operations.
“Under the state statutes by which SAWS and CPS (CPS Energy) operate, they’re given areas of operation in which they’re legally required to provide service to whoever’s asked for it,” Segovia said.
The presentation to council grouped the proposals into four categories: actions already underway, actions proposed, actions not recommended due to high legal risk, and actions requiring further evaluation.
Staff noted that some ideas, including certain justice funds or direct city-led “Know Your Rights” advisories during police interactions — carry significant legal risk and are not recommended.
Other proposals under review include requiring city contractors to disclose ties to detention operations, evaluating whether the city can decline contracts with vendors connected to ICE facilities, and examining liability, insurance and reputational risks tied to such agreements.
The council is also considering public signage informing residents and business owners of their constitutional rights when interacting with immigration enforcement.
“Our obligation is to proceed carefully, constitutionally and compassionately, ensuring that whatever path forward we take is clear, legally sound and grounded in the best interests of this city,” said District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran.
Opponents of the resolution voiced concerns about financial consequences if the city moved forward with suggested actions.
“It’s going to put potential federal and state funding on the line, and these are funds that our citizens here rely on,” said District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte.
City officials stressed it’s vital none of the actions that may go into effect prevent federal immigration laws from being enforced in San Antonio. Instead, the focus is on defining the city’s legal authority and limitations while mitigating operational and legal risk.
City Manager Erik Walsh is expected to provide an update on evaluation of the proposed actions on March 5.