The issue first gained attention after a national investigation by The Washington Post outlined U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to expand detention capacity using large warehouse-style facilities across the country. Skook News previously reported that Tremont was referenced in broader discussions tied to industrial warehouse locations, though no facility had been officially proposed for Schuylkill County.
At Wednesday’s meeting, county officials stressed that there is still no confirmation that the federal government or any private contractor has purchased or is in the process of purchasing the Tremont property.
“There is no confirmation whatsoever — no deeds recorded, no anything — that this facility is even being purchased,” Commissioner Padora said.
Commissioners said they checked with the Schuylkill County Recorder of Deeds, the tax assessment office, and the offices of Congressman Dan Meuser, Congressman Dave McCormick, U.S. Senator John Fetterman, and the Governor’s Office. All reportedly said they had no confirmation of a federal detention project tied to Tremont.
“We were told that a deed was going to be recorded within a week of December 26th. It is now January 28th… There’s no deed recorded. There’s no anything,” Padora added.
Safety, Proximity to Daycare Among Top Concerns
Several residents raised concerns about the proposed site’s proximity to a daycare center located approximately 300 yards from the former distribution facility.“What happens when… we have a daycare center right near that facility? I think these are things that we need to be thinking about,” said Reverend Brian Beissel.
Beissel and others also spoke about fears for residents of color in the community.
“I have a child who is a person of color… and I understand what has happened to everybody… how unsafe they now feel,” Beissel said.
Resident Lara Wiscount also questioned the suitability of the location.
“The people coming to these detention centers… are the worst of the worst… Why is it next door to a child care facility?” Wiscount said.
Infrastructure and Financial Impact Raised
County officials and residents also highlighted major infrastructure concerns tied to the site, which currently relies on an on-lot septic system and private well. Commissioners said such systems would not support a population of up to 1,500 detainees and 50 to 60 employees without significant upgrades.
Officials noted that connecting the facility to a municipal treatment plant would require more than a mile of new piping, and local firefighters have expressed concerns about limited water capacity in the area.
Commissioners also warned of major financial impacts if the federal government were to acquire the building.
“The school district, the county, and this [municipality] lose… probably totals just shy of $1 million… about $974,000… That would be a hard hit,” one official said.Residents said they would prefer to see the site used for economic development that could bring 500 to 600 private-sector jobs rather than a detention center.
Limited Local Authority
Commissioners repeatedly emphasized that if the federal government, through the Department of Homeland Security, chooses to proceed, local officials would have little authority to block the project.“If the federal government wants to buy a building and come there, the county commissioners don’t have the power to do anything… They don’t have to come to planning and zoning,” Padora said.
“Until we have 100% proof this is coming… there’s nothing the county commissioners can do… because it’s under homeland security,” he added.
Officials also said Tremont Township supervisors had not submitted any formal correspondence to the county regarding the issue as of Wednesday’s meeting.
Calls for Town Hall and Community Action
Members of Schuylkill Indivisible and other residents urged county leaders to take a stronger stance and called the potential facility both a moral and community issue.
“We are sickened that our county is being dragged into a brutal and self-defeating immigration system,” said Josephine Kwiatkowski of Schuylkill Indivisible.
Another resident suggested holding a town hall meeting in Tremont to allow more residents to participate, particularly seniors and others unable to attend weekday morning meetings.
“I think the commissioners should take it upon themselves to get some sort of town hall set up in that area… let’s get their voices on record,” said Jeff Dunkel.
No Confirmation, But Community Remains on Alert
Despite the lack of official documentation, the large turnout and emotional testimony reflected growing concern in the Tremont area following national and local reporting on ICE’s warehouse detention plans.
County officials said they will continue monitoring the situation and will notify the public if any confirmed information becomes available.