If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. But when it comes to Oakwood officials getting through to the federal government over the lingering issue of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) property in the town, patience is apparently running out.
“Last week, I asked the City Manager to try another way to contact (DHS) Secretary Mullin,” Mayor Lamar Scroggs said Wednesday. “As I understand it, he went through the White House and President Trump’s Office to contact the Secretary. We are waiting for a reply.”
And then the mayor issued a warning.
“The City of Oakwood stands ready to file a lawsuit against DHS upon seeing any type of
building renovation or land disturbance activity. The placement of security cameras and
use of all-terrain security vehicles do not make a building renovation or land disturbing
activity. These same types of security upgrades are allowed on any property without
question.”
Scroggs also took note of an interview Mullin did a few days ago with Atlanta News First (ANF).
“In the interview Secretary Mullin stated that eleven warehouses, including the one in Oakwood, would
not be used for a detention facility. In the same article it was reported the warehouses will
be offered to other federal agencies for use and if none of them want the sites, then the
facilities will be placed for sale.”
About a month ago, DHS announced it was abandoning plans for facilities in both Oakwood and Social Circle. ICE reportedly ditching plans for ICE facilities in Oakwood, Social Circle