1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose any efforts to establish an ICE detention facility at the former Big Lots Distribution Center located at 2306 Enterprise Drive in Durant, Oklahoma. This proposed location is fundamentally incompatible with the surrounding community and poses serious concerns for public safety and tribal sovereignty. On January 10, 2025, the Choctaw Nation Tribal Council unanimously passed a resolution objecting to this facility, with all 12 tribal councilors voting in opposition. District 12 Councilor Regina Mabray noted that the proposed site is located approximately 1,073 feet from the Choctaw Nation Child Development Center. Chief Gary Batton stated the nation is "extremely concerned about the proposed facility's close proximity to our day care, child education center and large employee base, which provides programs and services to our tribal members, including children and elders." The Durant City Council took immediate action on January 14, 2025, unanimously passing an emergency ordinance requiring conditional use permits for any detention center within city limits. This proactive measure reflects the overwhelming opposition from Durant residents who packed council chambers beyond capacity to voice their concerns. The timing of this proposal is particularly troubling given the January 7, 2025 fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Good in Minneapolis by an ICE agent, which sparked nationwide protests calling for accountability. District 2 Councilor Tony Ward cited recent incidents at ICE facilities in Minnesota and Texas as evidence of legitimate safety concerns for a facility so close to schools and essential services. The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Tribes has also adopted resolutions opposing this facility and calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to engage in formal government-to-government consultation with tribal nations. This consultation requirement must be honored. I ask that you publicly oppose this detention facility and work to ensure no federal approvals, permits, or funding support its establishment in Durant. Our community deserves better than having a large detention facility placed near schools and tribal headquarters.