URGENT UPDATE: Residents in Bath, N.Y. are raising alarm over the potential return of ICE detainees to the Steuben County Jail. During a heated Steuben County Legislature meeting on January 31, lawmakers voted 13-4 to increase funding through a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service for housing federal prisoners, sparking fears among locals about ICE’s possible involvement.
Concerns escalated as community members voiced their apprehensions about the implications of housing ICE detainees. “This is the new ICE, and we don’t know how bad it’s going to get,” stated resident Lisa Shock. “If it gets really bad, are we going to back out of this contract?” Her comments reflect a growing unease regarding the agency’s methods and its impact on local communities.
Another resident, Mary Lisi, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing a shift in ICE’s operational tactics since the recent fatal shooting of two protesters in Minneapolis during anti-ICE demonstrations. “When two people were killed, the game changed. All bets are off,” she warned, suggesting the renewed contract could have dire consequences for residents.
Sheriff Jim Allard attempted to alleviate fears by stating that the jail hasn’t housed any ICE detainees in over four years and does not anticipate changes 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,” Allard explained. He reassured the public that the facility is currently free of ICE detainees and that any future changes would depend on new federal rulings.
Despite these reassurances, the new $130 per diem rate for housing federal prisoners, effective January 31, raises questions about the county’s intentions and the potential for ICE involvement. The contract, which has been in place since 1998, is designed to provide additional funds to help offset jail expenses, but residents are increasingly worried about what that could mean for their community.
As the situation develops, local officials and residents alike will be closely monitoring the implications of the renewed contract. With the legislative decision now made, eyes are on Steuben County to see how this will impact the community moving forward. The dialogue around ICE’s presence and its potential consequences is far from over, and many residents are prepared to continue voicing their concerns.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
