GOSHEN – The Rules Committee of the Orange County Legislature went on record on Thursday “vehemently” opposing the proposed federal ICE detention center in the Village of Chester.
Resolution sponsor Democrat Genesis Ramos said there are a number of reasons why such a facility should not be located in a former commercial warehouse in Orange County.
“There is an overwhelming and documented record of inhumane conditions, medical neglect, abuse and deaths in ICE detention facilities across this country,” she said. “In 2025, there were 32 deaths, the highest number ever recorded. Lawful citizens and children have been wrongfully detained by ICE, posing threat and danger in our community. These are not anecdotes. These are findings from federal oversight, investigate journalism, medical examiners and civil rights organizations.”
Republican Legislator Thomas Faggione attempted to have removed from the resolution any reference of inadequate conditions, lack of medical care, and inhumane treatment of detainees, but in a split vote, that language remained.
As a result, Faggione was the only committee member to vote against the resolution.
The measure now goes to the full legislature for a vote.
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