DHS Leases Upscale Office Space Along Philadelphia's Main Line

The new office is about a mile away from an elementary school in Berwyn, Chester County.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency that oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has recently leased office space in the Westlakes Office Park in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, located about a mile away from an elementary school. This move comes after DHS purchased a large warehouse in Berks County that could potentially be used as a detention center. ICE has declined to confirm the new office location, citing a 'coordinated campaign of violence' against its officers.

Why it matters

The decision to lease high-end office space in a residential area near a school has raised concerns among local representatives, who view it as a concerning expansion of ICE's presence in the region. This move is part of a broader increase in ICE's workforce, which has grown by 120% thanks to the 'Big Beautiful Bill', according to an ICE spokesperson.

The details

In response to questions about the Berwyn property and a report that ICE would be leasing space in Philadelphia, an ICE spokesperson stated that the agency 'will not confirm office locations as our officers are facing a coordinated campaign of violence against them.' The spokesperson also noted that the agency has hired an additional 12,000 ICE officers and agents across the country, a 120% increase in its workforce.

  • DHS recently purchased a large warehouse in Berks County that could potentially be used as a detention center.

The players

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for enforcing immigration laws.

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan

A Democratic representative from Chester County, Pennsylvania.

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle

A Democratic representative whose district includes the Arch Street property in Philadelphia.

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What they’re saying

“We need to rein in ICE before one more American is harmed.”

— U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (whyy.org)

What’s next

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, whose district includes the Berwyn property, has not yet responded to requests for comment on the DHS lease.

The takeaway

The decision by DHS to lease upscale office space near a school in a residential area has raised concerns among local representatives about the agency's expanding presence and the potential impact on the community. This move is part of a broader increase in ICE's workforce, which has grown by 120% in recent years.