CHESTER – A total of 53 elected officials on the federal, state, county, and municipal levels have signed a letter opposing the proposed ICE detention center in the former Pep Boys warehouse in Chester.
“We are united that this facility lacks the required planning and coordination and lacks the necessary infrastructure to serve the 1,500 anticipated detainees,” the letter states. “We are united in maintaining the health, safety, and stability of our residents and constituents with whom we represent.”
The officials wrote that “There is no desire to have any federal presence in our communities disrupting the infrastructure, economic, environmental, and humanitarian stability of the Hudson Valley. We will not support and DHS/ICE/CBP facilities in Chester or in any other community we represent.”
The cosigners note the federal agencies have made no effort to coordinate with state, county or local governments “despite the fact that the proposed facility will have a direct effect on our community including adverse impacts due to the already strained sewer and water infrastructure, traffic, and environmental resources.”
They point out that the property is subject to restrictive covenants requiring that any use of the property be approved in accordance with state and local requirements. “The proposed use of the property as a detention facility is without approval and is inconsistent with the purpose of the Chester Industrial Park which is to serve as a commercial, economic engine to the Village and Town of Chester, and more broadly Orange County,” the officials wrote.
Given that Secretary Kristi Noem has stated ICE will “continue to arrest the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens,” the local representatives have “major concerns regarding public safety” since the building is near two training facilities whose clients cater to youth sports. “This poses a direct threat to our children,” they said.
The site is also home to federal wetlands and is designated as a FEMA Flood Plain.
They also noted should the detention center be located at the Pep Boys building, it would have a negative economic impact with the loss of some $400,000 in taxes in 2026.
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