UPPER BERN TWP., Pa. – Concerns are swirling after ICE bought a warehouse in northern Berks County.
U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) responded to 69 News’ request for comment about purchasing the Upper Bern Township structure.
A spokesperson says ICE is targeting vicious criminals, and adds, quote: “Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, ICE has new funding to expand detention space to keep these criminals off American streets before they are removed for good from our communities.”
Neighbors have concerns.
“I’m a little nervous about it. It seems like it’s going to be causing some – it may cause trouble with protesters and things like that,” said one man, who preferred to remain anonymous.
“I think they should have talked to the people that lived in Hamburg and Shartlesville about it first,” said Kim, a local resident.
Records show ICE bought a warehouse on Mountain Road, near I-78, for more than $87 million dollars.
Bloomberg reported the Upper Bern facility is one of 23 warehouses in the U.S. that ICE is buying to serve as detention centers.
A number of people expressed concerns about traffic.
“We don’t need any more traffic. And you know, Amazon warehouse is right there. There’s a lot of traffic going to there,” the anonymous man said.
The township and county both say they aren’t involved in the sale and have no information about the plans for the building.
“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,” said Charles.
“Well, I’m in favor of ICE, but, you know, not in my backyard,” added the anonymous man.
ICE is no stranger to Berks County. Local officials say the agency is using space at the Abraxas Academy juvenile detention center in New Morgan to house immigrant children.
ICE previously leased space for a detention center in Bern Township which closed.