Community Protest in Freezing Weather
Hundreds of residents endured subzero temperatures on Thursday to voice their strong disapproval of a planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in the village of Chester. The proposed site involves converting an unused warehouse into a facility for holding immigrants.
Bipartisan Resistance from Local Leaders
Opposition to the project spans political lines. Orange County Democratic legislator Genesis Ramos highlighted the broad consensus against it, while Republican County Executive Steve Neuhaus warned that such a center would lead to significant disruptions in the community.
Ramos emphasized the profound human implications, noting limited details on operational aspects but focusing on ethical concerns. “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’s Push for Transparency
Representative Pat Ryan, a Democrat from New York’s 18th District, addressed the crowd and shared that his office had sought details on the initiative but encountered resistance. ICE’s reply cited security issues and political pushback, stating, “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 the agency’s stance as unacceptable, pointing to recent incidents of violence by federal officers. “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 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.”
He pledged to withhold support for ICE funding until greater accountability is achieved.
Ongoing Efforts to Halt the Plan
Local officials, including Ramos, intend to persist in their campaign to block the development. She pointed to the large attendance at the rally as evidence of sustained public sentiment. “People, I think, are really coming to a place of understanding that we need to meet this moment with a fight,” Ramos 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.”
Efforts to obtain a response from the Department of Homeland Security on the proposal have not yet yielded replies.
