No ICE Facilities Planned In Bucks County: Congressman Fitzpatrick

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has no plans or intentions to open an ICE detention facility in Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said on Tuesday.

Fitzpatrick, who represents the 1st District in Congress, said he reached out to DHS after hearing from concerned residents. The 1st District includes all of Bucks County and a portion of neighboring Montgomery County.

“Our office immediately contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and we have received assurances that no such facility is planned for PA-1,” said Fitzpatrick. “When questions arise that impact our community, we address them directly, establish the facts, and ensure our community has clear and accurate information.”

Fitzpatrick added that his office will continue to monitor federal developments affecting PA-1 and will provide timely, accurate updates as needed.

Fitzpatrick also reaffirmed his position that no ICE detention facility shall be located in PA-1, and if one were ever being considered, he would oppose the effort.

The federal government has purchased an $87.4 million warehouse in nearby Berks County for a new, massive U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, officials confirmed.

The 527,000-square-foot warehouse is located in Upper Bern Township, at 3501 Mountain Road just off of Interstate 78. Spotlight PA reports that the facility will house up to 1,500 beds.

It's part of a nationwide effort by ICE to massively expand its detention facilities, as 22 other properties have also been bought, according to Bloomberg, including another $120 million warehouse in nearby Tremont Township in Schuylkill County.