URGENT UPDATE: Residents of Steuben County, New York, are expressing serious concerns over the potential housing of ICE detainees at the local jail. During a heated meeting on Wednesday, the Steuben County Legislature voted 13-4 to enhance funding through an agreement with the United States Marshals Service, raising the daily rate for housing federal prisoners to $130 effective January 31, 2024.
The Steuben County Jail, established in 1995, has a long-standing contract to house inmates from various jurisdictions. However, community members are now voicing their opposition to renewing this contract, fearing it will lead to the detention of individuals by ICE.
“I almost think it’s naive to believe that if ICE were in our county, they wouldn’t be using some of the same tactics that they’re using around our nation,” stated resident Mary Lisi, reflecting widespread anxiety about increased federal enforcement in the area.
The fear stems from recent incidents, including the tragic deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during protests against ICE in Minneapolis. Joan Rosen, another concerned resident, pointed out, “When two people were killed, the game changed. This agreement was drawn before we saw the new ICE.”
Sheriff Jim Allard reassured the community that there have been no ICE detainees at the facility for over four years and does not anticipate any in the near future. “There was a federal ruling that said county jails can no longer hold ICE detainees that are only on an administrative warrant,” he explained. “I don’t believe we’ve held any ICE detainees since that ruling.”
Allard further emphasized his openness to housing individuals who have been remanded to the jail by a federal judge but reiterated that the current contract remains unchanged except for the new fee structure.
As tensions rise, the Steuben County community remains on high alert. Local residents are calling for more transparency and are determined to ensure that their voices are heard as federal policies continue to evolve.
The potential implications of the legislature’s decision could significantly affect immigrant communities in the area, making the situation even more urgent. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as developments unfold in the coming days.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
