CAUTION is Called For - "ICE is in the House"

Activity yesterday at the formerly vacant PEP BOYS site in the

Village of Chester New York, with news that the Federal Government

has purchased the site for future detainee holding.

2/13/26 10:34 am - Yesterday Spectrum and News12 announced they had confirmation that the Federal Government has proceeded and purchased the former PEP BOYS 401,000 sq. ft. warehouse on 35.9 acres in the Village of Chester for use by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). This is part of a plan to house and process 500 to 1,500 detainees, and space for up to 194 vehicles. And Civil Rights Attorney, Michael Sussman said that across from his law office in the center of the Town of Goshen, mere blocks from the Orange County Government Center two men were taken by ICE representatives. Top officials, including County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Governor Kathy Hochul, have not addressed these developments directly yet, and are likely very busy working through whatever legal channels they can, before making any .... likely sometime today. Local officials, and Congressman Pat Ryan have been very outspoken about opposing the proposal. Meanwhile the DHS (which may have their funding at the federal level cut by Congress since lawmakers say they have not received the promises of reining in the kinds of violence and illegal actions perpetrated in Minnesota and elsewhere), say that residents should not worry because they will do everything here "the right way", with proper housing for detainees, a guard house and recreation area.... despite the facts that the property has NO sewer capacity, is adjacent to a protected floodplain, and is totally contrary to code for uses in the Chester Industrial Park. If that is not enough to make your hair stand on end, they also, just this week, leased office space in a New Windsor building with significant office space, very close to Stewart Airport.

But don't worry, they say they will work with local officials on protecting from any potential environmental impacts. Unfortunately, talking about putting the "cart before the horse", about 12 very large trucks and several SUV's already arrived at the site (see photos below, posted on FB by a local resident, WITHOUT any of the promised negotiations with officials.

I am usually not one to jump to conclusions, especially when criticizing governmental officials, unless there is obvious evidence of serious impropriety. But the ICE record in Minnesota is shameful in the extreme, not to mention the unexplained harrassment and violence perpetrted against of apparently hundreds if not thousands of innocent legal citizens.

WE SHOULD NOT PRE-JUDGE, but rather "Think ahead about what can be done to prevent trouble, stay in touch with police and our own officials to know what is happening and what their plans are for safety and minimal impact. The situation is NOT to be ignored or made light of ...... and that is evident right now as I write and hear several helicopters above my farm that remind me of the feeling I had when they were rushing toward NYC on 9/11. But let's not dive into the negative. I am not a psychiatrist or sociologist, but I do have 7 years of education including a degree and graduate credits in Psychology as well as a degree in Journalism, and this is what I suggest:

1. Don't discount what local officials are doing about it..,. at least not yet. Negotiations and preparedness actions take significant time to consider, plan and implement, and we do not know what has been done or negotiated yet! That is true of our Police Departments as well, and they are some of the very best in the world... well trained in tact when appropriate and swift decisive action if it's needed.

2. Keep an eye and understanding on what is happening related to DHS and ICE nationally that might impact our local situation. Several national actions this week appear to be likely to rein ICE in. The Trump administration was ordered by federal judge Boseburg to immediately return the first batch of detainees sent to El Salvador and then moved to a borderline war zone in Venezuela. This judge does not fool around and will not give up until these deportees get the habeus cortpus and due process rights they should have been given in the first place. The case against the father of three Marine sons was ordered dropped. and Congress is stepping up and demanding ICE reforms.

3. Governor Hochul has alotted significant extra funding for local police and vowed to continue extra oversight for "Sensitive Areas".

If you think there is any chance that you might be stopped and questioned by an ICE agent, have an official ID and Passport ready (on your person) to show, and another copy kept by someone you trust.

4. If you do not have a passport, try to get one ASAP, and if possible contact an attorney. If you need help or think you might, contact a local official or seek help from Orange County Government.

5. DO NOT BE FOOLISH - Free speech and protest are American rights. But putting yourself in unnecessary danger is just STUPID and could put others in danger as well!

IT IS CRIMINAL TO INCITE VIOLENCE and misbehavior only gives added excuse to anyone looking to do wrong.. While it might be tempting to test, tempt, or make fun of someoen you think is or might be about to do things you considert wrong or unfair, tempting someone you suspect might be violent could result in severe injury or even death, as we saw in Minnesota. Being "in a gray area of behavior" won't always save you. DEAD IS DEAD and if you don't live through this trial you won't be a help to anyone! I note that when Minnesota "protest groups" adopted peace songs

there was a very noticeable sharp decrease in negative interactions.

Finally, try to stay positive and think of solutions that are non-threatening. Whether those offerings are successful or not they may open the door to further dialogue and solutions.

If you have done your best to help resolve a difficult situation and still feel frustrated, maybe its time to give someone else with a little different perspective a turn. You just may have opened a new door for them.

P.S. At a press conference within the next half hour, Senator James Skoufis is scheduled to meet with Town of Chester Police and announce some supplementary funding approved for area Police Departments by Governor Hochul.

Editorial

By Edie Johnson

Executive Editor - Orange County Courier Journal