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Schuylkill County commissioners say they are seeking more information on proposed ICE facility as residents comment

Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners · April 1, 2026

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Summary

Commissioners Larry Padora and Gary Hess said they have contacted state lawmakers and plan a meeting to gather more information about a proposed ICE detention facility in Tremont Township; multiple residents spoke during public comment but no formal action was taken.

Schuylkill County commissioners on Feb. 11 said they are working to gather more information about a proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Tremont Township after members of the public spoke about the proposal during the meeting.

Commissioner Larry Padora gave a brief update saying he and Commissioner Gary Hess have been in contact with several state senators, members of Congress and state representatives and are looking to convene a meeting to learn more about the proposal and its implications for the county. Commissioner Gary Hess said he has also spoken with state officials and noted that neighboring Berks County faces a similar situation.

During the public-comment period, a string of local residents addressed the board on the topic. Those who commented included Steven Moyer (Mechanicsville), Brianna Delvalle (Pottsville), Claire Kempas (Pottsville), Cheryl Humes (Tamaqua), Cambria Huven (Auburn), Alice Klebaugh (Deer Lake), Philip Correl (Friedensburg), Kristen Pfluger (Washington Township), an individual identified only as Gene (not a county resident), Brian Bissel (Llewellyn) and Jeff Dunkel (Palo Alto). The transcript records only that these people “commented on the ICE facility proposed for Tremont Township” and does not provide verbatim statements or positions for each speaker.

Padora and Hess did not move any formal action regarding the proposed facility at the meeting. The commissioners said they plan to assemble additional information and meet with state lawmakers and other officials; no executive sessions were reported. The board adjourned after completing other routine business.

Next steps: the commissioners said they will seek further briefings and a meeting with state officials to gather more information; no vote or formal county action on the proposal was recorded at the meeting.