OKC ICE Detention Center On Hold… For Now

Plans for an ICE detention center in Oklahoma City have taken a detour.

Earlier today, OKC Mayor David Holt issued a statement in which he – just one vote out of nine on the City Council – effectively took credit for persuading out-of-state property owners to withdraw their land from consideration for a potential ICE detention center.

Here’s his tweet:

Man, let’s give David Holt some credit. He is one hell of a politician.

Throughout this entire I.C.E. Detention Center saga, he’s never quite come out and publicly condemned the facility, but he’s never supported it either. Instead, he’s wrapped himself in carefully vague language, dropping hints about where he might lean (against it) while never actually taking a stand.

But… now that the facility appears to be blocked?

Well, obviously, he’s the one who negotiated it behind the scenes and deserves all the credit “on behalf of the people of Oklahoma City.”

As I said, he’s one hell of a politician, huh?

Although it’s cool the ICE facility is being blocked, I think it’s way too early to pop the tear gas canisters and flash-bangs.

First of all, this administration thrives on disorder and chaos, and setbacks like this tend to motivate it, not deter it. If anything, I’d expect this to make them even more determined to force an ICE facility into Oklahoma City.

Secondly, while it’s noble that these mysterious “out-of-state property owners” are saying no to ICE, I think we all know there are plenty of local property owners who would gladly roll out the welcome mat. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if Carol Hefner is already getting her commercial broker’s license renewed just to help the agency scout new locations.

Anyway, we’ll continue to monitor the developments – and criticize our mayor for never fully taking a side on an issue that very clearly demands one – and provide updates as they occur.

Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.