CHESTER – Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY-18) plans on fighting a proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) warehouse, which would house immigrants at the Chester Industrial Park.
The Washington Post has reported that ICE plans to accelerate deportations by creating what it calls a “deliberate feeder system.” Under the proposal, detainees would be held in 23 renovated industrial warehouses capable of housing up to 80,000 immigrants at a time, rather than being transferred to existing detention facilities nationwide.
The Post reported that the plans remain preliminary and could change. ICE is expected to circulate a draft solicitation to private detention companies before making revisions or issuing formal bids.
“It’s disgusting, infuriating, and un-American,” Ryan said. “Our community will not stand for it. (It’s like) Prime, but with human beings. That’s how ICE is describing its new facilities, including a proposed location in Chester, which hasn’t been coordinated with local leaders in any way.”
Town of Chester Supervisor Brandon Holdridge said the proposed ICE facility would likely be at the now-closed Pep Boys Warehouse, a 401,000 square-foot facility located in the Village of Chester. Chester Mayor Tom Bell said he would not comment until he received more information on the potential project. Holdridge said that he “is against an ICE presence in Chester.”
ICE did not disclose specific details about the Chester site but said potential renovations could include intake areas, housing units, medical facilities, dining spaces, recreation areas, and administrative offices.
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