SAN ELIZARIO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 San Elizario officials have taken steps to limit public services for a proposed immigration detention center in the city of Socorro, according to the El Paso Times. <\/p>\n
According to the El Paso Times, the San Elizario City Council adopted two resolutions on Tuesday opposing the Department of Homeland Security’s planned detention centers in Socorro. <\/p>\n
As KFOX14\/CBS4 previously reported, Department of Homeland Security officials were exploring plans to expand immigration detention capacity in East El Paso County, including the potential use of existing warehouse sites in the Socorro area. <\/p>\n
One resolution that was adopted on Tuesday supports El Paso County Emergency Services District No. 2 in limiting or denying permits for emergency services to detention centers. <\/p>\n
The other supports the Lower Valley Water District denying water services to Department of Homeland Security warehouses in Socorro.<\/p>\n
KFOX14\/CBS4 has reached out to the San Elizario City Council for comment. <\/p>\n
The adopted resolutions follow the purchase of warehouses by DHS earlier this year for the detention of migrants.<\/p>\n
Public documents obtained by KFOX14\/CBS4 confirm DHS has acquired an entire industrial block in Socorro for more than $122 million, which is slated to be an immigration detention facility.<\/p>\n
Since plans of the proposed facility were announced, local leaders have raised concerns over the resources that would be needed to support the infrastructure of that size.<\/p>\n
State Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso, previously warned that the area is already struggling with water issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are water issues that exist throughout their service area and the emergency services district. And that’s the whole purpose of zoning is that you don’t want, you know, facility come in that is completely in unfeasible or incompatible with things like water shortages in the area,\u201d Perez said Feb. 6.<\/p>\n
However, according to the Associated Press, DHS is reevaluating its broader detention expansion plans and has paused some new warehouse purchases intended to house immigrants. <\/p>\n
It is unclear whether that pause applies to the warehouse sites in Socorro. <\/p>\n
The review follows a leadership transition at DHS, with Secretary Markwayne Mullin sworn in in March, replacing former Secretary Kristi Noem. <\/p>\n
A DHS spokesperson previously told KFOX14\/CBS4 the agency is reviewing policies and proposals during the transition.<\/p>\n
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