The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has purchased a 1.24-million-square-foot warehouse that had been under consideration as a potential ICE detention site. The acquisition removes the former Big Lots property from federal use, preventing its possible conversion into a large-scale detention facility. Based on comparable warehouse conversions, a facility of this size could have held up to ~8,500 detainees. Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton described the purchase as an opportunity to support “operational growth” near the Nation’s headquarters. Local officials and community members had raised concerns about the proposal. The city later passed restrictions limiting property sales to ICE. The purchase marks the second time in recent months that a proposed ICE detention site in Oklahoma has been halted or redirected. — What do you think about this development? (via kosuradio) #Sovereignty