Homeland Security looks to develop ICE facility in Town of Newburgh

TOWN OF NEWBURGH – The Homeland Security Administration is looking to develop an ICE facility in the Newburgh Commerce Park off Route 17K across from New York Stewart International Airport in the Town of Newburgh.

The federal government will pay $35.5 million over a 15-year-lease for the building at 800 Corporate Boulevard.

While town officials are concerned if it will be used for warehouse space or for ICE detainees, a listing called for a sally port big enough for detainee buses and vans, secure parking and small-armes storage, under Level three security standards.

Town Supervisor Gil Piaquadio said the town has had no prior contact with the Department of Homeland Security or US Immigration and Customs Enforcement about the manner.

He noted that the town board has already adopted a resolution joining Orange County and other municipalities in opposing the use of any warehouse in the county as an immigration detention center.

“The Town of Newburgh will pursue all available legal options to prevent this facility from being established in our community.,” the supervisor said.

Congressman Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) wants to know ICE’s detailed plans for the building. “Because if the administration thinks they can quietly build this without the force of our community fighting back, they’ve got another thing coming.”

State Senator Rob Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie) also wants to know the plans for the building.

“The local government, at the very least, should have the ability to engage in a discussion, and that currently hasn’t happened. The Town of Newburgh doesn’t support this and neither do I,” he told Mid-Hudson News.

“I am opposed to ICE using any warehouse for a detention facility or building a detention facility in the Town of Newburgh or any place in the Hudson Valley,” said State Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D, Newburgh). ‘The residents will not take this lying down.”

ICE has not responded to a request for comment.

Plans by ICE to establish an immigrant detainee center in Chester was withdrawn earlier this year after a large community uproar.

Plans by ICE to establish an immigrant detainee center in Chester was withdrawn earlier this year after a large community uproar.