DHS Purchase of Former Big Lots Warehouse in Tremont Sparks Split Schuylkill County Reaction

Residents across Schuylkill County are voicing sharply divided opinions after confirmation that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has purchased the former Big Lots distribution facility in Tremont Township for $119,515,000.
A deed from the Schuylkill County Recorder of Deeds Office confirmed the sale, saying the property was acquired from Big TRPA 001 LLC of Columbus, Ohio, with the deed made effective January 29.

Earlier reports stated that  internal documents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outlined a proposal to hold as many as 80,000 immigrant detainees in large-scale, warehouse-style facilities, like the one in Tremont Township, as part of an effort to accelerate deportations. The plan would involve converting industrial warehouses into detention centers capable of housing thousands of people at a time.

Tax-exempt purchase raises revenue concerns

Due to the federal government’s tax-exempt status, that means the facility will not generate property tax revenue for Tremont Township, Schuylkill County, or the Pine Grove Area School District like Big Lots did.

That issue has become one of the most frequently cited concerns among opponents and local officials, who argue that local taxpayers could ultimately shoulder a greater burden for municipal and school costs if the property no longer appears on local tax rolls.

Online poll highlights polarized local opinion

In a Skook News poll asking whether residents are for or against an ICE-related facility in Tremont Township, commenters split into two main camps:

Supporters largely framed the purchase as an immigration enforcement and public safety issue, frequently citing “law and order,” border enforcement, and the belief that a federal facility could bring jobs or new economic activity to the area.

Opponents frequently raised concerns about humanitarian impacts, comparisons to historical internment, and local quality-of-life impacts—especially potential loss of tax revenue, infrastructure strain (water and utilities), traffic, and the facility’s proximity to nearby community locations such as childcare services.

What’s known about the building and sale

The warehouse is listed as being approximately 1.3 million square feet and the deed shows the transaction between BIGTRPA001 LLC and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, listing the purchase price at $119,515,000 and noting the deed went into effect January 29.

While the federal government has not publicly announced detailed plans for the property, the purchase lands amid national reporting on ICE exploring large warehouse-style facilities to expand detention and processing capacity - an idea that has prompted public concern and protests in multiple communities.

Local discussion has also played out at recent public meetings, where county officials previously stated they had not seen formal applications tied to a detention or processing center proposal at the site.

Residents voiced their opinions against the potential purchase (at the time), during last week's Schuylkill County Commissioner's Meeting and Democratic Congressional Candidate Rachel Wallace held a town hall meeting recently to hear concern from residents.

What happens next

With the deed now recorded and the purchase confirmed, residents on both sides are calling for clarity on what the facility will be used for, what federal presence would mean for municipal services, and whether any local or state officials will provide guidance on anticipated impacts.