Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed the purchase of a warehouse in Upper Bern Township, Berks County.It was bought for $87 million with the intention of converting it into a detention center, sparking mixed reactions from local residents.One resident expressed disapproval, saying, “I don’t like it. I don’t agree with ICE and all that because they’re just going after people of, of, look like me and brown people.”Another resident shared a different perspective, stating, “Well, I’m in favor of ICE, but, you know, not in my backyard.”The announcement of the planned expansion has left some residents uncertain about the federal government’s intentions in the area.Legislative Latino and Black Caucus chairs issue statementState Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Napoleon Nelson, chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, issued a statement on the warehouse purchase. “Across this country, ICE enforcement has led to devastating consequences for families and communities — including family separation, aggressive raids, and the targeting of individuals who pose no threat to public safety. These actions have created fear and instability, particularly within immigrant communities.“Now, ICE is preparing to establish a detention operation in Berks County. This decision risks provoking fear, disrupting families, and endangering the wellbeing of our neighbors — regardless of citizenship status. The pattern of cruelty and lack of accountability we have seen from ICE has no place in Berks County or anywhere in Pennsylvania,” Cepeda-Freytiz said.“We are seeing a clear move by ICE to plant roots in Pennsylvania once again,” Nelson said. “Their actions have brought terror to our neighbors, especially immigrant communities and communities of color. We stand united in the all-too-familiar fight for civil rights.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed the purchase of a warehouse in Upper Bern Township, Berks County.
It was bought for $87 million with the intention of converting it into a detention center, sparking mixed reactions from local residents.
One resident expressed disapproval, saying, “I don’t like it. I don’t agree with ICE and all that because they’re just going after people of, of, look like me and brown people.”
Another resident shared a different perspective, stating, “Well, I’m in favor of ICE, but, you know, not in my backyard.”
The announcement of the planned expansion has left some residents uncertain about the federal government’s intentions in the area.
Legislative Latino and Black Caucus chairs issue statement
State Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Napoleon Nelson, chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, issued a statement on the warehouse purchase.
“Across this country, ICE enforcement has led to devastating consequences for families and communities — including family separation, aggressive raids, and the targeting of individuals who pose no threat to public safety. These actions have created fear and instability, particularly within immigrant communities.
“Now, ICE is preparing to establish a detention operation in Berks County. This decision risks provoking fear, disrupting families, and endangering the wellbeing of our neighbors — regardless of citizenship status. The pattern of cruelty and lack of accountability we have seen from ICE has no place in Berks County or anywhere in Pennsylvania,” Cepeda-Freytiz said.
“We are seeing a clear move by ICE to plant roots in Pennsylvania once again,” Nelson said. “Their actions have brought terror to our neighbors, especially immigrant communities and communities of color. We stand united in the all-too-familiar fight for civil rights.”