UPPER BERN TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Today, the Berks County commissioners said their position hasn’t changed.
“Confirmed reports there’s been a pause in the purchase, and for those that have been purchased, what’s going to happen with those?,” asked Commissioner Dante Santoni, Jr.
The Department of Homeland Security’s pause on the purchase of new warehouses to hold immigrants continues.
This includes warehouses in both Upper Bern Township, Berks County, and Tremont Township in Schuylkill County.
County commissioners and local residents continue to address the issue, as Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach read from submitted comments.
“Why on earth would you believe anything DHS says?,” said County Commissioner Christian Leinbach.
Contract reviews for the proposed facilities are underway, after Markwayne Mullin recently replaced Kristi Noem as DHS secretary.
Commissioner Christian Leinbach says Berks County’s position has been clear.
“I think this board has been very transparent about the stopping from day one,” Leinbach said.
What do the Berks County commissioners want to see when it comes to these proposals?
“I’ve asked for all the fiscal issues to be addressed in writing, in a legally enforceable document,” Leinbach said. “For the right of the county to have access to ensure humane treatment.”
Leinbach says the Berks and Schuylkill County commissioners are requesting separate meetings with DHS on these issues.
Santoni addressed the price tag on the Upper Bern Township warehouse.
“Unfortunately, they paid $87 million dollars for that facility, which I think is outrageous. It will not open in Berks County,” he said.
DHS says its review of ICE’s warehouse plan is a normal part of the transition to new leadership.