DHS Challenging Pennsylvania's Decision to Halt ICE Detention Center Plans

DHS challenging Pennsylvania's decision to halt ICE detention center plans

The state issued the order due to concerns about a lack of infrastructure for ICE's planned expanded use of the sites.

ICE appeals PA orders blocking detention centers

UPPER BERN — The federal government is reviewing contracts to convert warehouses into ICE facilities such as the one purchased in Berks County, and the immigration agency is challenging Pennsylvania state orders preventing them from moving forward. But local officials told residents this week they had "nothing new" to share about the planned local facility. During Upper Bern Township’s Board of Supervisors meeting this week, Solicitor Andrew Hof…

ICE fighting state environmental orders on two Pennsylvania detention center sites

The former Big Lots warehouse at 51 Rausch Creek Road in Tremont Township, Schuylkill County, March 13, 2026. (Photo by Jessica Kourkounis for the Capital-Star)U.S.  Immigration and Customs Enforcement has decided to appeal state orders stalling two detention centers planned in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, host communities’ many questions, including about the facilities’ strain on resources in Berks and Schuylkill counties, go unanswered. ICE wants …

ICE fighting DEP orders on two Pennsylvania detention center sites

The former Big Lots warehouse at 51 Rausch Creek Road in Tremont Township, Schuylkill County, March 13, 2026. (Photo by Jessica Kourkounis for the Capital-Star)This story was updated to add responses from the state Department of Environmental Protection and federal Department of Homeland Security at 5:15 p.m., Thursday, April 9.  U.S.  Immigration and Customs Enforcement has decided to appeal state orders stalling two detention centers planned i…

In a Deep Red Town, Locals Vent Over a Planned ICE Detention Center

TREMONT, Pa. -- When the coal industry unraveled around Tremont, Pennsylvania, generations ago, it didn't leave much behind. Nestled in the valleys of central Pennsylvania, the old mining town today has no hospital and no independent police force. A Family…