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LEARN

Why does BOW want ICE out of Berks County?
Here is what we know, what we are seeing and what we want.

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What We Know

We know that ICE detention is inherently inhumane and arbitrary, and there is an extensively documented history of neglect and abuse in ICE’s existing detention system. Using warehouses for humans will make these conditions worse.

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We know that our Berks County Sheriff's deputies and the Prison in Leesport run background checks on people they take into custody. If their system shows ‘contact immigration if you have this person in custody,' the deputy will then call ICE to ask if the agency wants to request a detainer (I-247A). If a detainer is issued, we will hold a person charged with a crime in the county jail up to 48 hours beyond the time they would typically be released, even if their charges were dropped, they posted bail, had pending minor offenses, finished their sentence, or had no conviction at all. Per ICE.gov: "Immigration detainers are only requests. They don’t impose any obligations on law enforcement agencies."

“We know medical neglect is happening. They’re actively treating these people in a punitive way, which civil detention isn’t supposed to be punitive. It’s unconstitutional to harm someone while you’re holding them.”

Zeynep Emanet, Council on American-Islamic Relations

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What We're Seeing

The Berks County Prison in Leesport and the Sheriff's Office are contributing to the devastation of families in our community by calling ICE whenever they take a non-citizen into custody. From March, 2025 - June, 2026, Berks handed over 96 people to ICE, subjecting them unreasonable search and seizure for a civil violation.

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In Berks County, we have already witnessed an increase in ICE arrests and detentions:

  • Community members are getting detained without bond and denied access to legal representation. This violates the intent of the Constitution's 6th Amendment.

  • Families are making emergency custody plans for their kids. Children are experiencing extreme fear of separation and severe trauma because relatives are being disappeared.

  • Community members are withdrawing from schools, churches, businesses, and public life out of fear.

  • People who are here lawfully or have pending cases are losing rights and benefits because they cannot afford processing fees or because documents are suddenly deemed not valid. They are being denied due process.

  • Workplace raids and targeted enforcement are leading to collateral arrests of innocent bystanders.

  • People complying with their court or reporting appointments are being detained for no reason. This is called a compliance trap. They are denied the opportunity to appeal or forced to wear ankle shackles.

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What We Want

We want the Prison Board and Sheriff's Office to STOP responding to ICE civil detainer requests.

  • Decline Intergovernmental Service Agreements – Do not allow ICE to 'rent' or use space in the jail.

  • Decline record sharing with Federal Immigration Authorities. Do not allow ICE access to internal databases.

  • Prohibit Deputies or jail staff from asking individuals about their immigration status and place of birth. Remove these questions from intake forms.

  • Require a judicial warrant for a specific person before ICE can access a person in county custody, as required by the US Constitution’s Fourth Amendment.

  • Decline requests to provide logistical support to ICE raids. Ex. Traffic control, securing perimeter, etc.

We demand that our county resources be spent on better wages, local safety, continuous training, and community building. True security means trusting that our local law enforcement officers and elected officials will protect everyone's Constitutional rights, keep our families whole, and work together to make Berks County a place where everyone can thrive.

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