Hutchins, Texas – Majestic Realty Co., the owner of a one million-square-foot warehouse in Hutchins, Texas, announced Monday it will not sell or lease the property to the Department of Homeland Security for use as an immigration detention center. The decision halts a plan by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to house up to 9,500 migrants at the facility, part of a broader initiative to establish detention space for 80,000 immigrants nationwide.
“We’re grateful for the long-term relationship we have with Mayor Mario Vasquez and the City of Hutchins and look forward to continuing our work to find a buyer or lease tenant that will help drive economic growth,” a Majestic Realty spokesperson said in a statement. The company was contacted by DHS regarding a potential purchase, but ultimately declined to proceed.
Hutchins Mayor Mario Vasquez expressed relief at the news, stating, “God answered our prayers.” He had previously communicated to Majestic Realty that utilizing the warehouse for detention purposes would be “devastating” to the city. The city had not been contacted directly by federal officials regarding the plan, according to Vasquez, and no applications for building permits or certificates of occupancy had been filed.
The proposed detention center drew vocal opposition from city leaders and residents, who voiced concerns during a recent Hutchins City Council meeting. “If you think anybody up here is on board with it, you’re in the wrong building,” Vasquez told attendees, reflecting the council’s unified stance against the project. Residents expressed fears about the potential impact on the community and schools.
The Hutchins warehouse was identified as one of four potential new ICE detention centers in Texas as the agency seeks to expand its capacity. DHS has already secured properties in El Paso and San Antonio for similar purposes. ICE is actively working to expand detention space nationwide, though the agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the Hutchins property.
The Rev. Eric Folkerth, a senior pastor at Kessler Park United Methodist Church, attributed the decision to community pressure and public outrage. “People are rightly questioning the need for a mega center when, right now, thousands without criminal records are being detained,” Folkerth said.
The City Council is scheduled to meet with the city attorney on Wednesday to further discuss the matter and address ongoing concerns from residents. Vasquez indicated that the city would host a town hall meeting to provide updates to the community as new information becomes available.
