Full Breakdown
Lehigh County Terminates Lease with ICE Over Unpaid Rent
1/21/2026, 8:15:40 PM
Lease Termination Announcement
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, has initiated the process to evict the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its agency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from county-owned office space due to over $115,000 in unpaid rent. County Executive Josh Siegel announced the termination of the lease on January 20, 2026, stating that the federal agency should "consider themselves evicted." Siegel cited the failure to pay rent and DHS's "national reputation for recklessness, chaos, and public disorder" as reasons for the decision.
Background of the Lease Agreement
The lease agreement originated from a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed in November 2022, allowing Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of ICE, to occupy office space in the Hamilton Financial Center in Allentown. The MOA was intended to last for ten months, after which a standard three-year lease was to be established. However, the lease was never signed due to claims that the official who signed the MOA lacked the authority to do so.
Financial Discrepancies
Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley revealed that since the MOA's commencement on December 1, 2022, no payments have been recorded, leading to a total of $115,425.51 in uncollected rent, with potential late fees of approximately $7,600. Pinsley emphasized that the county has absorbed operational costs for the office space, which has been occupied without a valid lease for nearly three years.
Official Statements & Responses
Siegel stated, "We will not accept their blood money," reflecting the county's stance against continuing any relationship with ICE. Pinsley echoed this sentiment, asserting that the county should not support an agency that "terrorizes neighborhoods and creates fear rather than safety." In contrast, U.S. Representative Ryan Mackenzie criticized the eviction, arguing that it undermines law enforcement efforts against serious crimes, including human trafficking.
Criticism & Opposition
The decision to terminate the lease has faced opposition from some local officials. Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan expressed concern that evicting HSI could disrupt local human trafficking investigations, stating that the agency plays a crucial role in community safety. Holihan even offered to cover the back rent using drug forfeiture funds to maintain the partnership with HSI.
What's Next
The county plans to pursue legal avenues to recover the unpaid rent and enforce the eviction. Pinsley has also proposed creating a database for residents to report alleged misconduct by ICE, aiming to enhance accountability and community trust. The situation reflects broader tensions regarding immigration enforcement and local government relationships with federal agencies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We will not accept their blood money,” — Josh Siegel, Lehigh County Executive
- “Pay your bills, pack your s**t, and get the hell out,” — Mark Pinsley, Lehigh County Controller
- “Reasonable people can disagree with DHS leadership, direction and federal overreach. That's fair. But evicting a local human trafficking task force because of broader objections to DHS? That's ultimately bad for Lehigh County.” — Ron Beitler, Lehigh County Commissioner
This eviction marks a significant local response to ongoing national debates about immigration enforcement and the role of federal agencies in communities.
