(The Center Square) – As the discussion continues about proposed ICE detention centers in Berks and Schuylkill counties, several elected officials in Pennsylvania have expressed direct opposition, while some say they are waiting for more information before taking a definitive position.
In February, Gov. Josh Shapiro said during a meeting with local officials that he would “do everything in his legal and regulatory power” to keep the facilities out of the commonwealth.
Earlier that same month, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., penned a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, expressing his “deep concern and opposition” to the plan after the agency purchased the two warehouses to turn into detention centers.
“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 wrote.
In that same letter, Fetterman requested that DHS and ICE provide “a briefing for his office on the criteria used to select viable properties for conversion into detention centers, including specific details on the decision to purchase the Tremont and Upper Bern Township 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; and a commitment to a period of public engagement and dialogue with these communities.”
Republican elected officials have largely struck a different tone regarding the proposed detention centers.
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., told the Center Square on Tuesday that he’s been in touch with citizens in the region, some of whom support and some of whom oppose.
“My view on this is we have to look at those in the totality of the economic opportunity and what it brings to those communities,” McCormick said. “And I also think that the communities are appropriately going to have a discussion about those pros and cons.”
He told the Center Square that he hasn’t taken a formal position on it as he’s still gathering more information. When pressed about what he’s heard more from people – opposition or support – he said “it’s hard to tell.”
“But I understand the Department of Homeland Security has said they have taken steps to move forward on that,” he said. “Congressman (Dan) Meuser and others have been in touch to make sure that some of the questions brought about by the communities have been addressed, but I haven’t taken a formal position on it.”
Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser represents the district where the two facilities could be located.
The Shamokin News-Item reported on March 30 that Meuser’s office, in his first formal public statement since the purchases of the facilities were finalized, said that DHS has “committed to preventing disruption and improving Schuylkill and Berks counties as it makes plans to operate two ICE detention processing facilities in both counties.”
The two facilities, located in Tremont Township and Upper Bern Township, were purchased by DHS in February. Fetterman’s office said the proposal from DHS would convert the facilities into 7,500 and 1,500-bed detention centers, respectively.
Spotlight PA reported on February 26 that an ICE spokesperson said the agency expected the facilities to create 11,000 jobs and bring in more than $283.4 million in tax revenue, although it is unclear how the agency arrived at that estimate.
In that same report, some local officials have expressed concern about the impact it will have on public services in their community.
