Representative Henry Cuellar said he’s keeping a close eye on the 1,400-acre ranch in Starr County that the state offered to the incoming Trump administration.

The land would be used to build a mass deportation facility, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said.

“The state wants to be helpful to the Trump administration, and I understand that,” Cuellar said.

READ MORE: Texas offers Trump administration more land and support for mass deportations

As a member of the House Committee in charge of federal funding, Cuellar could be involved with the operation of the proposed facility.

Channel 5 News spoke with Cuellar over the phone, and he seemed to support the idea of state and federal officials working together to address the immigration issue. Cuellar said he wants to know more about what the proposed facility would actually look like. 

Cuellar said if the facility is similar to current facilities, he believes it could be good for the area. He also said he’s not in support of a border wall on the property.

New & exclusive: @RepCuellar had a “productive” meeting w/ @CityofRGC & @StarrCountyTX leaders last week about the @TXGLO’s land offer to new admin for a “deportation facility.” @krgv #rgv

— Lily Celeste (@LilyCelesteTV) December 6, 2024

“Depending on what it is, it could create jobs and provide security for Starr County,” Cuellar said. “Now that's the detention center, which I support detention centers. The border wall — that's a different thing. I still think we need to look at different ways of securing the border."

RELATED STORY: LUPE reacts to proposed mass deportation facilities in Starr County

Cuellar told Channel 5 News he talked to Rio Grande City and Starr County leaders last week to hear their thoughts and questions. He didn’t share details of the meeting, but said it was “productive.”

Channel 5 News has been reaching out to President-Elect Donald Trump's team to see if they plan to accept this offer. Channel 5 News is still waiting to hear back.