BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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HUTCHINS – The City of Hutchins saw protests last week due to the possibility of a one-million-sq.-ft. warehouse being converted to a detention center there.
The Washington Post released the story – and the ICE detention center in Hutchins gained momentum.
City leaders who have said they are against the facility met last Wednesday with no action other than a statement by the mayor, “There is little more that we can share with you at this point, beyond what the City has previously communicated.
“Staff as well as city officials are still awaiting factual, official information about any potential plans for the property in question.
“To date, no one from the city has been contacted by federal officials to discuss any such plans or local impacts. “We are not even aware of a deed transfer having been recorded with the county for the property in question.
“City staff will continue to inquire through all proper channels so they can diligently stay abreast of the issue.
“We will continue to keep the community well-informed, and act to protect the community’s interests to the best of our abilities.”
Reports have indicated the detention center would hold up to 9,000 – more than the population of Hutchins at roughly 5,000.
Rumors also spread the warehouse at 950 N. IH-45 was affiliated with Amazon.
Dallas County records indicates the property is not an Amazon warehouse but belongs to Majestic Realty Group, who has had the property for five years.
As of last week, the city received no official paperwork, building permit applications, or direct contact from the federal government.
State Representative Aicha Davis, District 109 who organized a press conference in front of Hutchins City Hall before the Special City Council meeting last week said, “This is an amazing community of mostly black and brown families working to have something for the next generation.
“We do not want this for our community and we really do not want this for our country. We are coming together with the community and local officials to say we must figure this out together.”
