EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego is weighing in on several major issues facing the county, from proposed data center guidelines to immigration detention and tightening budgets.
Samaniego joined KFOX14 Community Conversations to discuss the county’s efforts to develop guidelines before data centers open in El Paso.
The county has been looking into ways to establish those guidelines as many El Pasoans have raised concerns about potential impacts to local resources.
The interview also addressed immigration detention in the region. El Paso has been in the national spotlight over East Camp Montana at Fort Bliss, described as one of the biggest immigration detention centers in the country.
The facility is on federal land. During the discussion, the possibility of another detention center opening soon in Socorro was raised, with the note that it would fall under the county.
Samaniego was also asked about funding cuts affecting the county.
The county has been facing funding cuts from both federal and state sources, and the conversation focused on what the most pressing issues are that the county must navigate given those circumstances.
Finally, Samaniego was asked about projects ahead in the year and what initiatives he is excited about as the year gets underway.
WATCH FULL INTERVIEW:
Community Conversations: County judge discusses data centers, East Camp Montana issues
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