No Plans for ICE Facility in Chester, Says Assemblyman Brian Maher

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y.—Assemblyman Brian Maher announced on Feb. 20 after meeting with a senior adviser for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that plans to convert an empty Pep Boys warehouse in the Village of Chester into an ICE facility will not be moving forward at this time.

While deployed overseas as a Navy reservist, Maher had a virtual meeting with a senior adviser to the director of ICE, Todd Lyons. Maher said the ICE official told him an outside vendor had identified properties nationwide for possible use, and that the 35.9-acre Pep Boys facility was one of dozens of strategically located sites evaluated.

Maher said he communicated his concerns about the location, including its proximity to populated areas as well as infrastructure limitations. He also expressed the broad bipartisan opposition from local officials in Orange County to a potential ICE facility.

Maher serves New York State Assembly’s 101st district, which includes the towns of Chester, Goshen, Montgomery, and areas north of Orange County.

Residents and leaders of Orange County became aware of ICE interest in the Chester warehouse on Jan. 8, after the the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a notice of activity concerning the property.

The DHS document proposed internal structural changes, creating an outdoor recreation area, and constructing a small guard building, among other modifications.

The possibility of an ICE facility in Chester was opposed by local elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), Town of Chester Supervisor Brandon Holdridge, state Sen. James Skoufis, and County Executive Steve Neuhaus.

Village of Chester Mayor Tom Bell said they appreciate Maher’s efforts to reach out while he is deployed and his work advocating for the location to be taken out of consideration.

“We tried every way we could to get someone from ICE on the phone,” said Bell. “The greater Chester community appreciates [Maher’s] leadership on this issue and we hope he stays safe as he serves our country overseas.”