BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Bradford County commissioners voted Thursday night to move forward with a proposal to turn the Douglas Building into an ICE detention facility, temporarily housing thousands of immigrants awaiting further adjudication or deportation.
Several citizens spoke against the proposal, not just in opposition to the treatment of the immigrant population and concerns about due process, but also about damage to the community’s reputation and the division it could cause among neighbors. The plan also had its supporters who stood on the side of immigration enforcement.
Sheriff Gordon Smith addressed concerns, including commissioners’ concerns about the visible location of the facility on U.S. 301 around commercial and residential development.
He said no one wants a detention center in their backyard, but it must go somewhere. He and his agency would have a role in assuring the operation is well run.
Commissioners Carolyn Spooner and Danny Riddick did not want to rush into a decision but give everyone more time to learn more and speak up. Commissioner Chris Dougherty, who moved approval of the proposal, reminded them the decision was not final.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement will evaluate the proposal. If Bradford County is a fit, an agreement will be prepared and brought back to the commission for a final decision.
The Douglas Building was acquired from the state with the intention of using it for economic development, but potential tenants have found the required facility upgrades overwhelming.
The cost of transforming the facility into a detention center as well as staffing it with up to 1,250 security, medical, management and other staff will be paid by the federal government.
