Residents and commissioners raise concerns about proposed Tremont Township ICE facility; county says DHS engagement ongoing

Schuylkill County commissioners said Feb. 25 that they are coordinating with state and federal offices over concerns about a proposed immigration detention facility in Tremont Township, and several residents used the public comment period to press the board for answers.

Commissioner Larry Padora told the board that commissioners held a Feb. 23 Teams meeting with the Department of Human Services, representatives from Immigration-related concerns and other county and state officials, and that the county’s letters and concerns have been transmitted to DHS and congressional and senatorial offices. He said engineers have looked at potential impacts to water and sewer resources and that DHS is willing to discuss long-term implications for existing infrastructure; the board expects further meetings with DHS and senators’ offices in one to two weeks.

The topic drew multiple residents to the podium during public comment. Joe Wiscount of Tremont, Brianna Delvalle of Orwigsburg, Claire Kempas of North Manheim Township, Shirley Wagner of Joliett and others specifically commented on the proposed facility for Tremont Township; Jeff Dunkel of Palo Alto also cited concerns about Children & Youth and court administration in addition to the proposed facility. Those speakers raised operational and community-impact concerns and asked the county to pursue more information and safeguards.

Commissioner Barron Hetherington separately said he and Commissioner Padora have worked with the state Department of Environmental Protection concerning lingering odors in the county’s West End, noting DEP engagement on the issue.

Next steps: Padora said the commissioners are continuing to work with Congressman Dan Meuser’s office and both Senators’ offices to communicate Schuylkill County’s concerns, and additional meetings with DHS are expected in the coming one to two weeks.