Dutchess County Legislature Votes 20-0 Against Proposed ICE Detention Facility in Chester

The Dutchess County Legislature voted unanimously, 20-0, to pass a non-binding resolution opposing a proposed federal immigration detention facility in the Town of Chester, with five members absent from the March 9 vote. The resolution marked a rare moment of cross-county solidarity: Dutchess lawmakers formally objecting to a facility slated for neighboring Orange County.

ICE had been considering purchasing a former Pep Boys auto parts distribution warehouse in Chester and converting it into a detention center. The prospect drew immediate pushback across party lines. Hundreds of residents turned out in freezing temperatures to protest in Chester, and opposition extended from local Democratic legislators to Orange County Republican Executive Steve Neuhaus, who joined Democratic legislator Genesis Ramos in citing concerns about potential chaos and inhumane conditions.

Legislature Chairwoman Yvette Valdés Smith called the vote "a powerful and unified rebuke of federal immigration policy," describing it as a show of bipartisan solidarity with Orange County. Legislator Anna Shah framed the resolution in broader terms: "Dutchess County is a welcoming community, and we are proud of that. But we are also a Legislature that takes our responsibility to govern very seriously. This resolution makes clear that we will stand up for constitutional principles, community stability and the promise of liberty and justice for all."

The resolution cited specific concerns about due process, transparency, lack of oversight and accountability, potential trauma to families, harm to local businesses, and impacts on public health and infrastructure. Legislator Chris Drago also emphasized public safety risks tied to increased ICE activity in the region.

U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan, a Democrat from Gardiner who has led efforts opposing the Chester facility, said the Dutchess vote "reaffirmed what the Hudson Valley has made clear all along: we strongly reject the Trump Administration's plan to build a mass detention camp in our backyard."

State Assemblymember Brian Maher, who serves in the United States Navy Reserve, communicated directly with ICE officials and relayed the bipartisan opposition building across the region. Maher subsequently announced that ICE would not move forward with the Chester location following a review process. The Highlands Current reported that a state legislator said ICE confirmed "its review process had concluded and that the agency would not be moving forward with the Chester site at this time," leaving open whether the decision is permanent or conditional.

Questions remain about the precise status of the former Pep Boys property and whether ICE ever formally acquired it. Earlier reporting described a series of mixed messages and denials from federal officials about the scope of their plans, and the phrase "at this time" in ICE's communicated position has drawn scrutiny from Hudson Valley officials who have called for greater transparency from the agency.