A Pennsylvania County has started a petition to try to prevent a former Big Lots distribution center from being converted into an ICE detention facility.
1.3 million-square-foot former Big Lots center, located on 50 Rausch Creek Road in Tremont Township, which the The residents of Schuylkill County and other "concerned supporters" across Pennsylvania are taking action to try to prevent a former Big Lots distribution center from being converted into a 7,500-bed ICE detention facility.
" was started online, with supporters claiming the detention center would threaten the community's children, environment, infrastructure, and economic future. In February 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security purchased the 1.3 million-square-foot former Big Lots center to transform it into a massive detention center. This purchase is part of the nearly $200 million that DHS recently spent on Pennsylvania warehouses.While I have been clear in my support for the enforcement of federal immigration law, this decision will do significant damage to these local tax bases, set back decades-long efforts to boost economic development and place undue burdens on limited existing infrastructure in these communities. He pointed out that, in addition to concerns over a perceived lack of vetting or "any due diligence" prior to the purchases, the warehouses represent a combined $1.6 million loss in tax revenue for Berks and Schuylkill counties. The petition echoed Fetterman's sentiments, while also highlighting the "long-term risks" that can come with detention-economy dependency. Writers of the petition said communities across the country have highlighted reduced oversight, toxic exposures creating environmental hazards, and increased local costs. On top of that, the petition highlighted that the facility is being forced upon a community without any discussion.A transparent, communitycentered review processExploration of alternative uses for the property that support—not endanger—our community The Berks County community is sharing similar concerns to Schuylkill County residents, citing impacts on their townships. “I would say in this area, yes, that most people are for immigration enforcement,” said Keith Philliips, who has lived in Upper Bern Township for 66 years. “The biggest concerns are potential of people who are against the whole process of ICE, and you know, that there’d be rioters and cause havoc in this little rural town.” The funds to purchase the warehouses come from the "One Big Beautiful Bill," according to a spokesperson. "To date, ICE has provided these communities with no information on how it will meet these expansive needs, and it would be wildly irresponsible to place such a burden on these communities," Fetterman said.Man, woman found dead in Perry County apartment after suspected domestic incident State police are investigating a possible domestic dispute after a man and a woman were both found dead in a Perry County apartment on Sunday.The fire was reported around 11 a.m. Monday at a home in the 300 block of West Juniata Parkway. The road is closed in the area.Residents of a mobile home community in Lititz say they are grappling with fear and uncertainty after learning they will be required to move.kennedy story gfx – noon folder—map built for location of crash in mimir )cam tag – in noon folder in mimiri would also like some laptop shots used as b-r
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