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What We Know

We know that ICE detention is inherently inhumane and arbitrary, and there is an extensively documented history of neglect and abuse in ICE’s existing detention system. Using warehouses for humans will make these conditions worse.

We know that our Berks County Sheriff's deputies and the Prison in Leesport run background checks on people they take into custody. If their system shows ‘contact immigration if you have this person in custody,' the deputy will then call ICE to ask if the agency wants to request a detainer (I-247A). If a detainer is issued, we will hold a person charged with a crime in the county jail up to 48 hours (excluding weekends & holidays!) beyond the time they would typically be released, even if their charges were dropped, they posted bail, had pending minor offenses, finished their sentence, or had no conviction at all.

We know from other counties with ICE facilities that being near a detention camp increases the likelihood of local arrests by 6.4 times. ICE agents eager to meet their quota will look to raid nearby communities in order to keep the spaces filled.  The proposed detention warehouses near Hamburg and Tremont are going to make this worse.

What We are Seeing

Our Berks County Prison in Leesport and the Sheriff's Office are contributing to the devastation of families in our community by calling ICE whenever they take a non-citizen into custody. In Berks County, we have already witnessed an increase in ICE arrests and detentions:

• Community members are getting detained without bond and denied access to legal representation. This violates the intent of the Constitution's 6th Amendment.
• Families are making emergency custody plans for their kids. Children are experiencing extreme fear of separation and severe trauma because relatives are being disappeared.
• Community members are withdrawing from schools, churches, businesses, and public life out of fear.
• People who are here lawfully or have pending cases are losing rights and benefits because they cannot afford processing fees or because documents are suddenly deemed not valid. They are being denied due process.
• Workplace raids & targeted enforcement are leading to collateral arrests of innocent bystanders.
• People complying with their court or reporting appointments are being detained for no reason, denied the opportunity to appeal, or forced to wear ankle shackles.

What We Want

1. We want the Prison Board and Sheriff's Office to STOP responding to ICE civil detainer requests. Per ICE.gov: "Immigration detainers are only requests. They don’t impose any obligations on law enforcement agencies."
2. Decline Intergovernmental Service Agreements – Do not allow ICE to 'rent' or use space in the jail.
3. Decline record sharing with Federal Immigration Authorities. Do not allow ICE access to internal databases.
4. Prohibit Deputies or jail staff from asking individuals about their immigration status and place of birth. Remove these questions from intake forms.
5. Require a judicial warrant for a specific person before ICE can access a person in county custody.
6. Decline requests to provide logistical support to ICE raids. Ex. Traffic control, securing perimeter, etc.

We demand that our county resources be spent on better wages, local safety, continuous training, and community building. True security means trusting that our local law enforcement officers and elected officials will protect everyone's Constitutional rights, keep our families whole, and work together to make Berks County a place where everyone can thrive.