ICE Faces Backlash Over Proposed NY Detention Centers

Orange County Legislature unanimously rejects ICE's plan to expand detention capacity in New York.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is facing backlash in New York State after considering locations for new detention centers, including a proposed facility in the town of Chester. The Orange County Legislature voted unanimously to reject ICE's plan, citing concerns over immigrant rights and the conditions at existing ICE detention centers.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention centers have sparked outrage among immigrant advocates, who argue that the facilities often hold detainees in inhumane conditions. The Dignity Not Detention Act, a bill in the New York State legislature, aims to prohibit any entity in the state from operating immigrant detention centers or contracting with ICE.

The details

ICE's plans to expand detention capacity in New York have faced strong opposition. The Orange County Legislature voted unanimously to reject a proposed ICE detention facility in the town of Chester. Rosa Santana, co-executive director of Envision Freedom Fund, said the Dignity Not Detention Act is essential to protecting immigrants' rights, as it would prohibit any entity in New York from owning, operating, or contracting with ICE for detention centers. Concerns have also been raised about the conditions at existing ICE facilities, with the New York Attorney General bringing charges against ICE for holding people in inhumane conditions at the detention center in New York City.

  • In 2018, Orange County made close to $9 million from the almost $134 daily fee ICE paid the county for housing detainees.
  • The Dignity Not Detention Act has received positive feedback from advocates and lawmakers in Albany.

The players

Rosa Santana

Co-executive director of Envision Freedom Fund, an organization advocating for immigrant rights.

Letitia James

New York State Attorney General who brought charges against ICE for holding people in inhumane conditions at the detention center in New York City.

Orange County Legislature

The legislative body that voted unanimously to reject ICE's proposed detention facility in the town of Chester.

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What they’re saying

“The bill will prohibit any person or any entity in the State of New York from owning or operating an immigrant facility, such as counties that have a contract with ICE. It will also prohibit any entity from entering into a new contract or receiving payments from immigrant detention.”

— Rosa Santana, Co-executive director, Envision Freedom Fund (fingerlakes1.com)

“It is agonizing hours and even days where people are being detained there for a day or two, just given a sandwich or not enough food. Sometimes there's not even a place for them to sleep.”

— Rosa Santana, Co-executive director, Envision Freedom Fund (fingerlakes1.com)

What’s next

Senate Democrats are blocking $400 million in additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security to support detention centers, demanding certain reforms be made to ICE.

The takeaway

The proposed ICE detention centers in New York have sparked widespread outrage and opposition, with advocates and lawmakers pushing for legislation like the Dignity Not Detention Act to protect immigrant rights and prevent the expansion of these facilities in the state.