Dutchess County Lawmakers Unanimously Oppose Proposed ICE Detention Center in Hudson Valley

Local leaders raise concerns about due process, transparency, and community impact of potential federal immigration facility.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Dutchess County Legislature has unanimously passed a resolution opposing a proposed federal immigration detention center in the nearby town of Chester, Orange County. Lawmakers cited concerns about due process, transparency, and the potential destabilizing impact a large detention facility could have on Hudson Valley communities. The vote adds to growing regional opposition as questions remain about the scope of ICE's plans in the area.

Why it matters

The prospect of an ICE detention center in the Hudson Valley has sparked intense debate and concern from local officials and residents. There are fears that such a facility could erode civil liberties, disrupt local families and businesses, and undermine the region's identity as a welcoming community. The Dutchess County resolution signals a unified stance against the proposal and a demand for more transparency from federal authorities.

The details

At its March 9 meeting, the Dutchess County Legislature voted 20-0, with 5 members absent, to pass a resolution opposing the proposed ICE detention center in Chester, Orange County. Lawmakers cited worries about due process, lack of oversight and accountability, and the potential for the facility to cause trauma to families and destabilize local businesses if undocumented immigrants are detained. The resolution reflects the county's values as a welcoming community and the legislature's responsibility to govern and protect residents.

  • The Dutchess County Legislature passed the resolution unanimously on March 9, 2026.
  • Earlier reports indicated federal immigration officials were exploring or had possibly acquired a large warehouse in Chester that could be converted into a detention center.

The players

Dutchess County Legislature

The legislative body of Dutchess County, New York that voted 20-0 to oppose the proposed ICE detention center in the Hudson Valley region.

Yvette Valdés Smith

The chair of the Dutchess County Legislature who called the vote a "powerful and unified rebuke of federal immigration policy" and an affirmation of the county as a welcoming community.

Anna Shah

A Dutchess County Legislator who said the resolution reflects the county's values and its responsibility to govern and protect residents.

Chris Drago

A Dutchess County Legislator who expressed concern about how expanded ICE activity could affect local families and businesses.

Lisa Kaul

A Dutchess County Legislator who stressed the importance of preventing potential abuses before they occur, citing a lack of oversight and accountability.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight, the Legislature issued a powerful and unified rebuke of federal immigration policy. I was proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand in solidarity with Orange County in opposing this facility and to reaffirm Dutchess County's identity as a welcoming community.”

— Yvette Valdés Smith, Legislature Chair (hudsonvalleypost.com)

“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.”

— Anna Shah, Legislator (hudsonvalleypost.com)

“When law-abiding Dutchess County residents are abruptly taken by ICE, the harm extends beyond the individual, causing trauma to children and families and the destabilization of local businesses.”

— Chris Drago, Legislator (hudsonvalleypost.com)

“There is no oversight. There is no accountability. The only way to stop this is to prevent it from happening in the first place.”

— Lisa Kaul, Legislator (hudsonvalleypost.com)

What’s next

Lawmakers say they want more transparency from federal officials about whether a detention facility could ultimately move forward in Orange County.

The takeaway

The Dutchess County Legislature's unanimous vote to oppose the proposed ICE detention center reflects growing regional concern about the potential impact of such a facility on civil liberties, community stability, and the Hudson Valley's identity as a welcoming area. The resolution signals a demand for more accountability and transparency from federal authorities regarding their plans in the region.