ICE Planning Detention Center in Chester, Just Minutes From Kiryas Joel

By Y.M. Lowy

Federal immigration officials have confirmed plans to open a large ICE detention center in Chester, only minutes away from Kiryas Joel.

ICE says it purchased a warehouse property at 29 Elizabeth Drive in the Chester Industrial Park and plans to convert it into a facility that could process up to 1,500 detainees. 

The site will meet regular detention standards and will go through community impact studies to ensure there is no strain on local infrastructure. ICEsaid the facility will focus on individuals it describes as criminal illegal aliens, including those convicted of serious crimes.

ICE also said the project is expected to create over 1,200 jobs and generate significant economic activity and tax revenue for the area.

The plan has already drawn pushback from residents and elected officials. A petition opposing the project has gathered more than 20,000 signatures, and advocacy groups are urging state leaders to step in.

The facility would be built in Chester, in Orange County, just minutes from Kiryas Joel, placing a large federal detention center directly in the area where many families live and travel daily.

photo: Illustration