OAKWOOD — Area residents packed Oakwood City Hall Monday night to voice outrage over reports that federal officials may be considering turning a local warehouse into a detention facility operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The standing-room-only meeting drew dozens of residents who expressed concerns about transparency, public safety, and the potential impact such a facility could have on the community. Many said they first learned of the possibility through media reports and social media and were frustrated by what they described as a lack of public communication.
During the meeting, Oakwood City Manager B.R. White addressed inquiries regarding a potential Department of Homeland Security ICE facility. White said he had spoken earlier in the day with representatives from three Atlanta-area television stations.Council members said they had also received inquiries from media outlets and forwarded those questions to White for a response. White told council members that, according to Associated Press reporters, notices were sent only to cities under serious consideration for an ICE detention facility. He said the City of Oakwood has not received any such notice.
“I don’t understand how something this significant can be discussed without residents being formally informed,” said one resident, who has lived in Oakwood for 23 years. “This affects our families and our sense of security.” City officials said the proposal being discussed involves the potential repurposing of an existing warehouse located within city limits.
Officials emphasized that the city does not operate or manage federal detention facilities and that its authority is limited primarily to zoning and infrastructure considerations. “We hear the concerns being raised,” said White. “At this point, the city has not been formally notified of any federal action.” During public comment, residents raised concerns about traffic, strain on emergency services, and the broader implications of housing a federal immigration detention facility in a small community.
Several urged city leaders to take a formal position opposing the project or to pursue legal options to prevent it. No vote was taken Monday night, and city officials said no approvals have been issued. City leaders said they expect additional information in the coming weeks and encouraged residents to remain engaged as the situation develops.
