Martinsburg resident urges Berkeley County planning commission to probe developer after alleged ICE enforcement on private property
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Summary
A resident told the Berkeley County Planning Commission that an ICE enforcement action sent workers fleeing through his development and called for audits and developer bond reviews; commissioners said federal enforcement is outside their authority but can review developer compliance with land-use rules. No formal investigation was ordered.
Corey Rodriguez of Martinsburg addressed the Berkeley County Planning Commission during the meeting’s public-comment period, saying an immigration enforcement action earlier in January led to workers fleeing through Tuscarora Creek into his development and that “armed ICE officers” chased them across several properties. Rodriguez told the commission he does not want federal agents on his property and called for audits of developers, asking, “Who is responsible for making sure that they follow the laws?” He urged that the developer’s projects be halted and bonds pulled until the situation is clarified.
Commissioners responded that federal law-enforcement actions are not within the planning commission’s authority. One planning commission member told Rodriguez, “We have no control over that… We control the building rights and how things are constructed and who can construct them. We can't tell them who they hire and who they can't hire and if the government agency is gonna come in and check them.” The commissioner invited Rodriguez to state his concerns but said the board could not direct federal enforcement.
Rodriguez pressed the commission to pursue transparency and oversight of developers, asking whether the commission or county commissioners were responsible for developer oversight and suggesting that noncompliant projects should face suspension. Commissioners acknowledged his right to speak and expressed sympathy for his concerns, but there was no motion or vote directing staff to open an investigation or revoke bonds.
The exchange remained a public-comment request rather than a formal complaint on an agenda item. The commission did not schedule follow-up action during the meeting; staff or commissioners did not report any pending or ongoing local enforcement actions tied to Rodriguez’s allegations.
What happens next: Rodriguez said he would pursue legal avenues if necessary. The planning commission did not adopt any new oversight measures at the meeting; residents seeking action would need to submit formal complaints or request the commission add an investigation to a future agenda.