Local Leaders Respond to Plans for Immigrant Detention Center in Rochester
Following the announcement to advance plans for an immigrant detention center in downtown Rochester, local leaders are voicing their concerns. Congressman Joe Morrell confirmed that the federal government is proceeding with the Keating Building project, prompting a swift backlash from various officials.
Criticism from Elected Officials
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, State Senator Jeremy Cooney, and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans have publicly criticized the decision, arguing that the Trump administration is disregarding the opinions of community residents. They express frustration over what they see as a lack of genuine consideration for local sentiments regarding the facility.
Morrell’s Statement on Community Concerns
In a statement, Congressman Morrell criticized the federal government’s handling of the situation, saying, “They ignored our community and refused to answer basic questions, moving forward with this project regardless. The responses we received were both evasive and insulting to the people of Rochester, neglecting to address the potential impacts on families and children who rely on this building daily.”
Schumer’s Call for Transparency
Senator Schumer further emphasized the need for community involvement, stating, “The Trump administration is aggressively pushing this plan for a CBP detention center in downtown Rochester, disregarding both local support and legal oversight. This facility is not suitable for this type of operation, and the lack of transparency is unacceptable. Our community deserves a say in this decision.”
Concerns About Local Impact
Senator Cooney added, “The Keating Federal Building is home to vital services, including daycare, for the residents of Rochester. A detention center here would only bring harm to our community. Residents have clearly expressed their opposition to this initiative, which contradicts our community’s values. I remain deeply concerned about the implications of this decision.”
Mayor Evans Opposes Site Selection
Mayor Evans reiterated his opposition to the location of the proposed detention center, noting, “The Keating Building currently functions as a federal courthouse and daycare, making it an unsuitable site for a detention facility. It is unacceptable for the Border Patrol to dismiss the community’s concerns and advance plans without engaging local voices.”
Background and Regulatory Context
Earlier this year, a comprehensive list of state and local officials opposing the detention center proposal was made public, highlighting concerns over the appropriateness of utilizing federal buildings already designated for other essential services. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has stated that the court officials approved Customs and Border Protection as a tenant five years ago, arguing that a recent executive order mandating space consolidation necessitates this move.
Customs and Border Protection has indicated that the Keating Building site would replace Irondequoit’s current station, should the area become available. Spectrum News 1 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for further information on the project’s development.
