ICE Acquires $87M Berks County Warehouse, Reports Spotlight PA

In a significant move, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has acquired a large warehouse in Berks County for $87.4 million. This facility, spanning nearly 520,000 square feet, is situated at 3501 Mountain Road in Upper Bern Township. The purchase, finalized on February 2, is part of an initiative to transform such warehouses into immigration detention centers across the nation.

Details of the Acquisition

The transformation of the facility is intended to provide up to 1,500 beds for detainees. Previously known as the Hamburg Logistics Center, the property has a history that includes serving as the Mountain Springs Arena, a location famous for rodeos and demolition derbies. The warehouse is also adjacent to an Amazon distribution center and the Mountain Springs Camping Resort.

Local Reaction and Concerns

Community leaders were notified about the sale only after it had been finalized. The Upper Bern Township solicitor stated that the township did not participate in the transaction and has received no applications for the property’s future use.

Local officials, including State Senator Chris Gebhard and Representative Jamie Barton, expressed concerns over potential implications for local tax revenue. They reported that the property, valued at $22 million, previously contributed around $624,000 annually in taxes for county and school districts. They are seeking more information on how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to utilize the facility.

• Annual property tax revenue before purchase: $198,286
• Estimated loss of tax revenue post-acquisition: $624,000

Community Impact

Local stakeholders have voiced fears about the effects of an immigration detention center on Berks County. Bridget Cambria, an attorney with Aldea, a nonprofit providing legal help to immigrants, warned that the presence of such a facility could deter individuals from pursuing legitimate immigration processes. A 2022 study indicated that immigrants are more frequently apprehended in areas with higher detention capacities.

As the community awaits further details on the warehouse’s future, the acquisition highlights ongoing national debates surrounding immigration policy and enforcement. The purchase represents a broader strategy by ICE to increase its detention capabilities amid concerns for safety and taxpayer implications.