WASHINGTON, D.C. — Proposed federal immigration detention centers in Pennsylvania could strain local infrastructure and reduce tax revenue for surrounding communities, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman said Thursday as he urged federal officials to reconsider the plan.
What This Means for You
- Local taxpayers could lose more than $1.6 million annually in revenue
- Infrastructure systems like water, sewer, and emergency services could face increased strain
- Federal officials are being asked to pause and reassess the projects
Fetterman said the planned conversion of two warehouse facilities into Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers would place significant pressure on local services while removing properties from local tax rolls.
The proposal includes converting a site in Tremont Township, Schuylkill County, into a 7,500-bed detention center and another in Upper Bern Township, Berks County, into a 1,500-bed processing facility.
Infrastructure Concerns
Fetterman said detention centers — facilities used to hold individuals in federal immigration custody — require substantial infrastructure, including water and sewage capacity, reliable electricity, access to medical care, and coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services.
Local officials have raised concerns that existing systems are not equipped to handle that demand.
In Tremont Township, officials said the proposed facility would quadruple the current burden on public infrastructure, particularly water and sewer systems.
“While I have been clear in my support for the enforcement of federal immigration law, this decision will do significant damage to these local tax bases … and place undue burdens on limited existing infrastructure,” Fetterman wrote.
Economic Impact
Fetterman said the federal acquisition of the properties would remove them from local tax rolls, resulting in a combined loss of more than $1.6 million annually for Schuylkill and Berks counties.
He said that loss could strain municipal budgets and school districts already responsible for maintaining services in the area.
Lack of Local Input
The senator also criticized the decision-making process, saying local and state officials were not consulted before the federal government moved forward with purchasing the sites.
“My constituents and I are deeply frustrated that DHS and ICE made the decision to purchase these facilities without any local input,” Fetterman wrote.
He argued that communities are being asked to absorb the impacts without clear plans for infrastructure upgrades or financial support.
Requests to Federal Officials
In his letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Fetterman requested documentation outlining how the sites were selected, including economic and infrastructure assessments.
He also called for a detailed analysis of the potential impacts on public safety, health, and local economies, as well as a commitment that federal funding would cover necessary infrastructure improvements.
Fetterman further requested that federal officials engage directly with local communities before moving forward.
Next Steps
The Department of Homeland Security is reviewing the proposed facility purchases, according to Fetterman’s letter.
The senator asked for a response from DHS by May 14 as the agency considers whether to proceed with the projects.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.