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Orange County Legislature unanimously opposes proposed ICE processing/detention facility
Summary
The Orange County Legislature on Feb. 5, 2026 adopted a resolution vehemently opposing locating a proposed ICE processing/detention facility in the county, citing lack of transparency, zoning, infrastructure and humanitarian concerns. The measure passed 21–0.
The Orange County Legislature unanimously adopted a resolution on Feb. 5 opposing the proposed siting of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing and/or detention facility in Chester or anywhere within Orange County.
Chairwoman Laurie Tautel and sponsors framed the measure as both a legal and humanitarian objection to the reported plan to convert an industrial warehouse (the “Pep Boys Warehouse” identified in press reports) into a 500–1,500-bed processing and detention facility. Legislator Genesis Ramos, one of the motion’s public proponents, told the chamber: “What we are witnessing here across this county and far beyond it is mass mobilization in opposition to this ICE detention facility proposal.” The resolution directs certified copies to federal, state and local leaders, including the County Executive and New York’s congressional delegation.
Supporters cited multiple concerns recorded in the resolution and in members’ remarks: the Legislature said local governments had not received advance disclosure from federal authorities; the proposed use appeared incompatible with deed‑restricted zoning and wastewater transfer limits (the Village of Chester cannot transmit additional sewage to Orange County Sewer District No. 1); and members cited documented complaints about conditions at some ICE facilities nationwide. Republican and Democratic members emphasized bipartisan opposition, with Legislator Sparrow Tobin arguing the practice “violates the Constitution and undermines the rule of law,” and others stressing public‑safety burdens and moral objections.
The resolution language notes the Washington Post reporting that identified Chester as a potential location and the possible scale of beds (500–1,500). The bill was seconded and approved by voice vote with the roll call recorded as Ayes 21; Noes 0; Absent 0.
Next steps: the Legislature’s clerk will transmit certified copies of the adopted resolution to named federal and state officials as set out in the resolution. The County Executive’s authority over any county contract with ICE was reiterated in the meeting: the Legislature stated that contracting authority rests with the Executive Branch under the Orange County Charter.
