Hanover pushing back against proposed ICE processing facility in Ashland
VENN
HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Hanover County leaders are strongly against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) turning a local warehouse into a processing center.
During a Jan. 28 meeting of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, the board expressed its disapproval of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) plan to convert a more than 550,000-square-foot warehouse into an ICE processing facility.
"A facility of this nature will change the character of the area, place unplanned demands on County services, including public safety, as well as reduce County tax revenues by no less than $1 million annually," the county said in a statement. "However, future revenue losses are likely to be significantly higher. These lost revenues would normally go to support vital and essential services that the County delivers to our citizens."
The meeting drew crowds of anti-ICE protesters, who gathered both outside and inside the meeting room on this cold Wednesday night to make their opposition known.
An anti-ICE protest outside of a Jan. 28 Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting where a proposed ICE facility was discussed. (Photo: 8News)
An anti-ICE protest outside of a Jan. 28 Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting where a proposed ICE facility was discussed. (Photo: 8News)
The warehouse in question, located at 11525 Lakeridge Parkway in the Ashland area, is owned by Jim Pattison Developments, a Canadian-based property management and development company.
MORE: ICE to turn Hanover warehouse into processing center, here’s what we know about the facility
According to a letter received by the county on Jan. 22, DHS has plans to modify the warehouse “in support of ICE operations.” These proposed modifications include construction of holding and processing spaces, addition of security equipment, upgrades in several areas like the parking lots and fencing and more.
"While the letter identifies the property as a processing facility, no other details about its use or timeline have been provided," the county said in its statement.
According to county officials, this letter was "the first direct communication" Hanover received from the Trump administration about this proposal.
Crowd of people at a Jan. 28 Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting, during which a proposed ICE facility was discussed. (Photo: 8News)
Prior to that, "rumors circulated online and residents raised questions" -- questions the county reportedly tried to get either the DHS or the property owner to answer. However, these efforts were "unsuccessful."
"The lack of early communication from the federal government has created understandable concern and misunderstandings," the county said.
County officials emphasized just how little input they have had so far in this process.
"Hanover County did not request that DHS select this property, was not involved in the selection process and was not consulted by the federal government prior to being notified," the county said. "Hanover also was not consulted regarding whether the purchase would be consistent with the County’s land use policies or Comprehensive Plan, or regarding its potential impact on residents and businesses. Additionally, the County has had no role in negotiations between the private property owner and the U.S Government and does not have authority to intervene in those discussions."
Crowd of people at a Jan. 28 Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting, during which a proposed ICE facility was discussed. (Photo: 8News)
County officials said they are not in support of ICE's proposal for a number of reasons -- one of which being its proposed location. The warehouse is within a "well-planned area intended for commercial and industrial use."
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The county is concerned that this location may not be appropriate for an ICE facility because of just how close it is to things like retail businesses, hotels, restaurants and and several residential neighborhoods.
“While the County has no role in federal immigration policy, we are responsible for land use, budget decisions and ensuring transparency and public engagement on matters within the Board’s authority,” said Board of Supervisors chair Sean M. Davis in the statement. “Based on what we know today, this property is not the right location for this type of operation. Had the federal government contacted us earlier, we could have shared important information about potential impacts.”
The board has directed Hanover's county attorney and staff to evaluate the potential impacts of this proposed facility, as well as provide a detailed summary to DHS about Hanover's land use policies and its concerns.
"The Board encourages DHS to consider alternative locations and to work with Hanover or the local government in any future site selection to ensure that operations align with community planning processes," the county said. "The Board has also requested support from U.S. senators and representatives to help identify a more suitable location and to address concerns about this proposal. Hanover’s County Attorney will further evaluate the County’s legal options."
The county has until mid-February to respond to DHS. According to county officials, these correspondences will be made public once they are available.
“We appreciate how engaged and informed our residents continue to be,” Davis said. “While many recognize the Board’s limitations on this matter, we will continue to provide updates as accurate information becomes available.”
Nearby leaders are also showing their support for Hanover County as it grapples with this matter. In a newsletter issued Wednesday night, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula shared the following statement on this proposed ICE facility:
"I am aware of the federal government’s proposed ICE processing facility in nearby Hanover County. While Richmond has no jurisdiction over that process, I share the concerns it raises for families across our region. Let me be clear: Richmond Police do not participate in deportation activities or coordinate with ICE. Our priorities are community safety, and ensuring residents know their rights. My colleagues in Hanover, who just this evening expressed their strong concern, have my support as they continue to navigate this issue."
‘I want you to know I hear you’: Avula says Richmond has no control over ICE actions
Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi (D) also issued a statement supporting Hanover's stance, which reads as follows:
"I support the decision of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors to reject the proposed ICE site and strongly urge opposition to any other detention facilities within the county. The Board made clear that this proposal was advanced without transparency, without local input and without regard for its impact on the community.
I have long advocated for a more accountable and humane approach to immigration enforcement in Virginia, and have raised concerns about expanding large-scale immigration detention facilities because of the real harms they cause, including family separation, insufficient regulation and safety standards and the chilling effect they have on communities, schools, local law enforcement, the broader community and fundamental human rights.
Moreover, large-scale detention has raised persistent legal concerns, particularly when oversight, standards of care, and due process protections are lacking, creating substantial legal and financial risk for states and localities, while doing nothing to solve the challenges within our immigration system and instead diverting resources away from what actually works: the rule of law, accountability, and transparency.”
For more on immigration enforcement in Central Virginia, click here.
This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.
