Residents of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and supporters across the state are mobilizing to oppose the planned conversion of a former Big Lots distribution center into a 7,500-bed ICE detention facility.
Concerns Mount Over Proposed Facility
An online petition describes the project as “the northeast’s largest 7,500-bed ICE Mega’Center” and argues it poses a threat to the community’s children, environment, infrastructure, and economic future. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) purchased the 1.3 million-square-foot property in February 2026.
Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., has voiced “deep concern” regarding the ICE warehouses, writing to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem that the decision would “do significant damage to these local tax bases” and “place undue burdens on limited existing infrastructure.” He likewise noted a perceived lack of vetting prior to the purchases.
Economic and Environmental Impacts
Fetterman’s letter highlighted a combined $1.6 million loss in tax revenue for Berks and Schuylkill counties. Petitioners echo these concerns, citing the potential for “detention-economy dependency” and risks observed in other communities, including reduced oversight, environmental hazards, and increased local costs. They also state the facility is being imposed on the community without prior discussion.
Residents of Berks County share similar concerns regarding potential impacts on their townships. Keith Phillips, a 66-year resident of Upper Bern Township, stated that even as local support for immigration enforcement exists, concerns center on potential unrest from those opposed to ICE.
The purchase of the warehouses was funded through a measure referred to as the “One Big Elegant Bill.” According to Senator Fetterman, ICE has yet to provide communities with information on how it will address the needs created by the facility, calling it “wildly irresponsible” to place such a burden on local resources.
As of this writing, the petition has garnered approximately 450 signatures of its 500-signature goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the modern facility?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security purchased a former Big Lots distribution center to convert it into a 7,500-bed ICE detention facility.
What concerns have been raised about the facility?
Concerns include potential threats to the community’s children, environment, infrastructure, and economic future, as well as a loss of tax revenue and a lack of transparency from ICE.
Who has expressed opposition to the facility?
Residents of Schuylkill and Berks counties, as well as Senator John Fetterman, have expressed concerns and opposition to the planned detention center.
How will the local community be impacted by this facility, and what steps might residents take to influence the outcome?
