A proposed ICE facility in Chester, New York, has raised concerns among immigrant families and community advocates in the mid-Hudson Valley. If built, it would become Orange County’s second immigration detention center, joining the existing facility at the Orange County Jail.

Reverend Richard Witt, executive director of Rural and Migrant Ministries, said the proposal has heightened fear among immigrant families. “They're already living in great fear of separation from their parents, of their children, and having such a facility just adds to that environment of fear,” he explained.

Community members have voiced concerns at local board meetings, highlighting potential impacts on quality of life, local reputation, and the economy. “When they've built facilities like this in other communities… people don't think of Batavia anymore as a beautiful town; they think of it as a repressive detention facility,” Witt said.

The nonprofit has also seen a surge in volunteer efforts to support immigrant families. “We recently had a volunteer donate 50,000 meals that could be delivered to folks,” Witt noted, citing increased need amid fears of raids and reduced social services.

Local leaders, including Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Congressmember Pat Ryan, have expressed opposition to the facility, reflecting a broader community concern. Witt emphasized the importance of public engagement: “People need to let their legislators know their feelings… the overwhelming majority of the people don't want to be living in a community that's based on oppression and fear, and economic ruin.”