SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — The residents of Schuylkill County and other “concerned supporters” across Pennsylvania are taking action to try to prevent a former Big Lots distribution center from being converted into a 7,500-bed ICE detention facility.

A petition to stop what is being described as “the northeast’s largest 7,500-bed ICE Mega’Center” was started online, with supporters claiming the detention center would threaten the community’s children, environment, infrastructure, and economic future.

In February 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) purchased the 1.3 million-square-foot former Big Lots center to transform it into a massive detention center. This purchase is part of the nearly $200 million that DHS recently spent on Pennsylvania warehouses.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., recently expressed his “deep concern” over ICE warehouses in a letter penned to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

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.

He pointed out that, in addition to concerns over a perceived lack of vetting or “any due diligence” prior to the purchases, the warehouses represent a combined $1.6 million loss in tax revenue for Berks and Schuylkill counties. The petition echoed Fetterman’s sentiments, while also highlighting the “long-term risks” that can come with detention-economy dependency.

Writers of the petition said communities across the country have highlighted reduced oversight, toxic exposures creating environmental hazards, and increased local costs. On top of that, the petition highlighted that the facility is being forced upon a community without any discussion.

READ MORE | Community reacts to new PA ICE center: ‘Exactly what the president promised he would give’

As part of the petition’s call to action, writers have demanded:

A full halt to the development of this facilityA transparent, community-centered review processAn independent environmental and infrastructure impact assessmentExploration of alternative uses for the property that support—not endanger—our community

The Berks County community is sharing similar concerns to Schuylkill County residents, citing impacts on their townships.

“I would say in this area, yes, that most people are for immigration enforcement,” said Keith Philliips, who has lived in Upper Bern Township for 66 years. “The biggest concerns are potential of people who are against the whole process of ICE, and you know, that there’d be rioters and cause havoc in this little rural town.”

The funds to purchase the warehouses come from the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” according to a spokesperson.

“To date, ICE has provided these communities with no information on how it will meet these expansive needs, and it would be wildly irresponsible to place such a burden on these communities,” Fetterman said.

At the time of this writing, the petition had roughly 450 of its requested 500 signatures.