Hutchins city officials are pushing back against widespread social media rumors that a massive warehouse near Interstate 45 could become a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, saying no federal plans, permits or official contact has been made with the city.
The controversy centers on a roughly one-million-square-foot industrial building just south of downtown Dallas that media reports have linked to a proposed “mega” facility that could hold up to 9,500 people, but city leaders say nothing formal has been filed.
At a recent Hutchins City Council meeting, Mayor Mario Vasquez told residents the city has received no communication from federal authorities, and no building permits, occupancy certificates or applications for such a project have been submitted, countering the online claims.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not publicly confirmed any specific plans for the site, though a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security noted the agency is working to expand detention space nationwide without announcing new facilities.
The rumored facility has drawn heightened attention in the region after internal documents obtained by media outlets suggested ICE was eyeing warehouse conversions nationwide as part of a broader effort to increase detention capacity, with Hutchins among the sites mentioned.
Critics — including local faith leaders and residents — have raised concerns about infrastructure, community impact and how a large detention center would affect the small town’s services and quality of life.
City officials say they plan to keep residents informed if any formal proposals emerge and are considering a town hall for further discussion.
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