On February 2, 2026, ICE confirmed the acquisition of the warehouse located at 3501 Mountain Road, previously known as the Hamburg Logistics Center. The purchase has raised significant concerns among local residents and officials, especially as this facility is among at least 23 that ICE intends to convert into detention centers. The new site has the potential to house up to 1,500 detainees.
Local elected officials, including State Senator Chris Gebhard and Representative Jamie Barton, expressed apprehension regarding the implications of the facility's use. They have sought additional details from federal contacts to clarify the federal government's plans for the site, citing worries about security and loss of property tax revenue for the community.
The township was reportedly not informed of the sale until shortly before the announcement, and community officials stated they had not received applications regarding the property’s future use. Concerns are also lingering about the impact this facility could have on the local immigrant community, with advocates warning that it may instill fear among residents.
Bridget Cambria, an attorney with Aldea, emphasized that the establishment of an ICE detention center in the area could have a chilling effect, discouraging immigrants from seeking legal recourse or assistance due to fear of detention.
The purchase aligns with ICE's ongoing efforts to increase its operational capacity amid rising tensions over immigration enforcement policies in the U.S. As this acquisition unfolds, community members and local leaders continue to call for transparency and accountability from federal agencies regarding their practices and the potential consequences for local communities.
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