Hundreds of residents endured frigid conditions on Thursday to voice their strong disapproval of a potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in the village of Chester. The site under consideration is an unused warehouse that could be converted for this purpose.
Local Leaders Highlight Bipartisan Resistance
Orange County Democratic legislator Genesis Ramos emphasized that the pushback against the proposal transcends party lines. She noted that Republican County Executive Steve Neuhaus has expressed concerns that such a facility could lead to significant disruptions in the community.
Ramos pointed out the broader implications beyond practical challenges, focusing on the ethical dimensions. “The inhumane treatment that we know is happening across ICE detention centers in this country has no place here in our backyard,” she stated. “Even if we had the infrastructure, I would be in full opposition to this facility.”
Congressman Pat Ryan Addresses Information Gaps
Representative Pat Ryan, a Democrat from New York’s 18th District, addressed the crowd and shared details about his office’s attempts to obtain more specifics on the plan. He reported receiving scant details from ICE, which cited security reasons for withholding information.
ICE’s reply indicated: “Due to the heightened threat environment and the unprecedented opposition being thrown up by the left against ICE’s efforts to effectuate mass deportations, ICE is unable to share details about any upcoming expansion in Chester.” Ryan described this as unacceptable.
“I mean, we’ve seen straight up murders and executions on the streets of American cities against American citizens,” the Ulster County representative remarked, alluding to the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers in Minneapolis. “That’s why I signed on to impeach DHS Secretary Noem. That’s why we’re fighting back against this ICE warehouse right here in the Hudson Valley.”
Ryan affirmed that he will not back any funding for the agency without proper accountability measures in place.
Commitment to Continued Advocacy
Ramos indicated that county leaders remain determined to block the development and view the large attendance at the rally as evidence of sustained community resolve. “People, I think, are really coming to a place of understanding that we need to meet this moment with a fight,” she said. “This moment demands a fight. And I think a lot of people are wanting to step up to the plate and be there for their neighbors.”
