Sen. Fetterman expresses 'deep concern, opposition' to ICE's recently purchased Pa. warehouses [View all]

Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to convert two recently purchased warehouse facilities in Schuylkill and Berks counties into detention centers.

Days after the plans were revealed, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, expressing "deep concern and opposition" with the project.

"While I have been clear in my support for the enforcement of federal immigration law, this decision will do significant damage to these local tax bases, set back decades-long efforts to boost economic development, and place undue burdens on limited existing infrastructure in these communities," Fetterman said, in part.

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He also requested that DHS and ICE provide him with the following before moving forward with the projects:

"A briefing for my office on the criteria used to select viable properties for conversion into ICE detention centers, including specific details on the decision to purchase the Tremont and Upper Bern Twp. properties."
"A detailed impact assessment addressing infrastructure, public safety, public health, economic development, and fiscal concerns for these communities."
"A commitment that federal funds will cover all necessary infrastructure upgrades and ongoing costs associated with these facilities."
"A commitment to a period of public engagement and dialogue with these communities."

https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-sen-fetterman-expresses-deep-concern-opposition-ices-recently-purchased-pa-warehouses/70277493