CAPITOL HILL. I’M RACHEL WERTHEIMER. SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN IS EXPRESSING CONCERNS ABOUT THE. AFTER THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROPOSED CONVERTING TWO EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA WAREHOUSES INTO ICE DETENTION CENTERS. IN A LETTER TO THE DEPARTMENT, THE PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRAT SAID, QUOTE, WHILE I HAVE BEEN CLEAR IN MY SUPPORT FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW, THIS DECISION WILL DO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THOSE LOCAL TAX BASES SET BACK DECADES LONG EFFORTS TO BOOST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PLACE UNDUE BURDENS ON LIMITED EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE IN THESE COMMUNITIES. THE FACILITIES CONSIST OF A PROPOSED 7500 BED DETENTION CENT
Fetterman raises concerns over proposed ICE detention centers in Pennsylvania
Updated: 12:42 PM EST Feb 9, 2026
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman has expressed concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s proposal to convert two warehouses in Pennsylvania into ICE detention centers.In a letter to the department, the Pennsylvania Democrat said, “While I have been clear in my support for the enforcement of federal immigration law, this decision will do significant damage to these local tax bases, set back decades-long efforts to boost economic development, and place undue burdens on limited existing infrastructure in these communities.”The facilities consist of a proposed 7,500-bed detention center in Tremont Township, Schuylkill County, and a 1,500-bed detention center in Upper Bern Township, Berks County.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman has expressed concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s proposal to convert two warehouses in Pennsylvania into ICE detention centers.
In a letter to the department, the Pennsylvania Democrat said, “While I have been clear in my support for the enforcement of federal immigration law, this decision will do significant damage to these local tax bases, set back decades-long efforts to boost economic development, and place undue burdens on limited existing infrastructure in these communities.”
The facilities consist of a proposed 7,500-bed detention center in Tremont Township, Schuylkill County, and a 1,500-bed detention center in Upper Bern Township, Berks County.