Officials from the Trump transition team are currently considering the idea of building immigrant detention facilities on land that the state of Texas recently acquired along the Rio Grande, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott had a conversation with Tom Homan, who will be serving as President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming “border czar.” The discussion centered around the possibility of utilizing military resources for the transportation of migrants and the construction of facilities. This information comes from a reliable source familiar with the matter.
The incoming Trump administration has the option to utilize the property by declaring a national emergency. This declaration would enable the redirection of funds toward the construction of infrastructure and the support of troops on a border mission. A source suggests that either the National Guard or active-duty military could carry out the work. In terms of facilities, soft-sided structures like tents that can be swiftly assembled are a possibility.
Andrew Mahaleris, the press secretary for Abbott, declined to provide details about the specific plot of land. However, he did mention that the governor’s office is in constant communication with the incoming Trump Administration to discuss effective strategies for border security.
“Over the past four years, Texas has steadfastly stood against the border crisis brought about by the Biden-Harris administration. The Governor eagerly anticipates the ongoing collaboration with President Trump and Border Czar Homan to safeguard our state and the entire nation,” expressed Mahaleris.
The Trump transition team declined to provide a comment when requested.
During his campaign, Trump made a bold promise to deport millions of immigrants residing in the country unlawfully. His incoming administration is seeking to significantly increase the capacity of detention centers to fulfill this pledge, temporarily housing these individuals before their expulsion from the United States.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham’s office has confirmed that she purchased a 1,402-acre piece of land on the Rio Grande for $3.8 million on October 23. Notably, she has offered to lease it to the incoming Trump administration as a potential site for mass deportation facilities.
Buckingham’s office has been acquiring land near the border to construct a wall. A spokesperson stated that they plan to complete the construction of a 1.5-mile border wall on the recently acquired property this week.
The Starr County permitting office spokesperson reports that they have not received any new applications for building structures on the property.
In a recent interview with NBC News affiliate WOAI, Buckingham revealed that her agency possesses additional parcels of land across the state that could be utilized for the deportation initiative. Currently, her office holds a staggering 13 million acres of land.
“We have identified certain pieces that we believe could be beneficial to them, and we will cooperate with the Trump administration to provide them with whatever assistance they require,” Buckingham stated.
Buckingham suggests the possibility of incorporating urban locations into the plot near the Rio Grande. She mentioned that they might require additional urban pieces to address the detention and deportation aspect.
In late October, Buckingham made another significant acquisition by purchasing over 350,000 acres near Big Bend National Park. Brewster Ranch, located near the town of La Grulla, features a stretch of frontage along the Rio Grande. This property was listed for over a year before Buckingham bought it.
According to James King, the broker for the property, the seller engaged in discussions with the Texas Parks and Wildlife, the National Park Service, and national conservation organizations. However, it was the Texas General Land Office that had the financial resources to make the deal a reality.
The seller sold the land without imposing any conservation restrictions, as King stated.
According to Judge Greg Henington, the highest-ranking official in Brewster County, the expansive nature of the land renders the idea of constructing deportation facilities on it illogical. He further expressed his belief that the state has plans to preserve the land for ecotourism purposes.
Kimberly Hubbard, a spokesperson for the Texas General Land Office, asserts that the land’s use for immigrant detention centers is highly unlikely.
“Although this land includes a border security aspect, it will not be included in this initiative due to its unsuitable terrain for a deportation facility,” Hubbard explained. “However, Commissioner Buckingham is committed to collaborating with the Trump Administration to achieve full operational control of our southern border and is enthusiastic about being a reliable partner.”