ICE Purchases Warehouse in Berks County for Detention Center

The Trump administration has acquired a 520,000-square-foot warehouse in Upper Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, for $87.4 million. This purchase, finalized on February 2, 2026, is part of a broader initiative by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to convert such facilities into immigration detention centers across the country. The warehouse, located at 3501 Mountain Road, is one of at least 23 sites identified for this purpose, with the capacity to house up to 1,500 detainees.

ICE buys $87M warehouse in Berks CountyICE buys $87 million warehouse in Berks County as it plots expansion of immigration detention centers across the U.S.ICE purchases $87M warehouse in Berks County, PennsylvaniaICE Buys $87M Berks County Warehouse As Possible Immigration Detention SiteICE is Buying Massive Warehouses in Small Towns for New Detention Centers

Local officials and residents have expressed significant concerns regarding the implications of this purchase. Upper Bern Township's solicitor, Andrew Hoffman, stated that the township was not involved in the transaction and has not received any applications regarding the property's future use. State Senator Chris Gebhard and Representative Jamie Barton, both Republicans, have reached out to federal contacts to gather more information, highlighting worries about potential losses in property tax revenue, which could exceed $624,000 annually for the municipality, county, and school district.

ICE buys $87 million warehouse in Berks County as it plots expansion of immigration detention centers across the U.S.

Critics, including Bridget Cambria, an attorney with the nonprofit Aldea, argue that the establishment of a detention center will have a "disruptive" and "chilling" effect on the local immigrant community. Cambria noted that the presence of such a facility may deter immigrants from seeking legal status or engaging with the immigration process due to fear of detention.

ICE buys $87 million warehouse in Berks County as it plots expansion of immigration detention centers across the U.S.

ICE has not provided specific details about the future use of the Berks County warehouse. A spokesperson for the agency emphasized the importance of expanding detention space to remove "vicious criminals" from communities, citing funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as a catalyst for this expansion. However, local officials have expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding the purchase and its implications.

ICE buys $87 million warehouse in Berks County as it plots expansion of immigration detention centers across the U.S.

State Senator Judy Schwank, a Democrat, previously described the potential sale as "deeply concerning," particularly in light of reports of mistreatment in ICE facilities nationwide. She has voiced apprehension about the track record of such centers, indicating a lack of confidence in the agency's operations.

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While the purchase has been confirmed, there is a notable absence of detailed plans from ICE regarding how the warehouse will be utilized. Local officials and community members have not received adequate information, leading to speculation and concern about the facility's impact on the area.

ICE buys $87 million warehouse in Berks County as it plots expansion of immigration detention centers across the U.S.

• “If there are people that live freely and at peace knowing that they do the right thing, they can do their immigration process or stay with their family or figure out a way to legalize their status, they’re going to be more afraid to do that with a giant detention center in their backyard,” — Bridget Cambria, Attorney, Aldea

ICE buys $87 million warehouse in Berks County as it plots expansion of immigration detention centers across the U.S.

• “Our immediate concerns include the potential loss of property tax revenue for the host municipality, county, and school district, as well as security and perimeter considerations,” — State Senator Chris Gebhard and Representative Jamie Barton

ICE buys $87 million warehouse in Berks County as it plots expansion of immigration detention centers across the U.S.

• “The township was not involved in this transfer and has not received any applications from either the prior or new owners regarding the future use of the property,” — Andrew Hoffman, Upper Bern Township Solicitor

ICE buys $87 million warehouse in Berks County as it plots expansion of immigration detention centers across the U.S.

This acquisition marks a significant shift in ICE's strategy, moving away from tent camps to more permanent structures for detention, raising concerns about the implications for local communities and immigrant populations.

ICE is Buying Massive Warehouses in Small Towns for New Detention Centers