Governor Kathy Hochul harshly criticized Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin in a letter sent to the federal agency over alleged plans to create new immigration detention areas in New York state.
The letter, dated July 12, questions Mullin for failing to inform the governor’s office of plans to establish additional immigration detention facilities in Rochester, Batavia and Newburgh, upstate. Hochul expressed his annoyance because, as he indicated, residents found out about the projects through press reports.
“Over the past few weeks, New Yorkers have learned of three separate federal immigration detention projects planned for our state. But they didn’t learn about it from their administration. They learned about it through media reports and procurement records discovered later,” Hochul wrote. “You have repeatedly promised to coordinate with local communities. That is not what is happening.”
In the letter, Hochul noted that DHS would intend to set up an immigration detention center in a Rochester building that houses a child care center and a federal courthouse. In Batavia, the agency would seek to expand existing prison facilities. Meanwhile, in Newburgh, the federal administration has reportedly signed an agreement to rent a warehouse that would be used as a detention center.
The governor stated that, although she is willing to cooperate with the federal Department of Justice in matters related to criminal offenses, she rejects what she considers actions directed against people who have not committed crimes.
“That’s why I ask: Is your Department building or expanding immigration detention facilities in New York? If so, where are they located, what capacity will they have, and under what authority are they being created? Is this being done under your direction despite President Trump’s commitment that ICE operations in New York would not be expanded unless requested by the governor?” Hochul questioned.
The governor demanded greater transparency and stated that New Yorkers, like all Americans, “deserve honest answers about the actions of their federal government in their communities.”
The dispute occurs at a time of high tension between the community and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Over the weekend, residents protested the Pier 40 parking lot for allowing ICE vehicles to use its facilities, while demonstrations continued outside the Delaney Hall detention center.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the country, published reports indicate that ICE agents shot and killed a person in Biddeford, Maine, on Monday morning, days after a Houston man was similarly killed following an agency raid.
Our sister publication, amNewYork, has requested comment from the Department of Homeland Security and is awaiting a response.
