Summary
The El Paso City Council decided to change local zoning rules to slow down the construction of new immigrant detention centers. They are making changes to how and where these centers can be built, especially near homes, but are not fully banning them. The focus is on controlling private land since federal land is beyond their control.
Key Facts
- El Paso City Council voted to rewrite zoning rules.
- The plan includes rules on how close detention centers can be to residential areas.
- The city aims to regulate the size and setbacks of these facilities.
- Changes are intended to limit new immigrant detention centers but not ban them.
- The move responds to community concerns about existing detention facilities.
- El Paso's Camp East Montana detention site is scrutinized due to deaths and medical care issues.
- The Council wants city staff to report ICE agents’ visits to municipal facilities.
- Proposed zoning changes focus on affecting private land, not federal property.
