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Pennsylvania county jails earn millions of dollars detaining immigrants for ICE: Report
Pike County collected more than $16 million as four counties filed monthly invoices for detention costs and extra fees, Spotlight PA found.
A Spotlight PA review found that five Pennsylvania counties billed the federal government more than $21 million in recent years to detain immigrants in their jails.
Through contracts with ICE or the U.S. Marshals Service, jails in Clinton County, Erie County, Franklin County, and Pike County operate as detention centers for civil immigration proceedings.
Pike received more than $16 million during 2024 and 2025, while Clinton earned more than $4.6 million, with daily rates ranging from $82 to $120 per person.
While the Erie County Council voted to limit cooperation, Cambria County Commissioner Scott Hunt noted that payments remain a crucial revenue source officials would struggle to replace.
Pike recently agreed to a 30-day extension to negotiate a new contract, as jurisdictions face pressure to end agreements amid concerns about the morality of federal participation.