Berks officials provide no details on proposal for Berks County Residential Center

Karen Shuey, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·1 min read

Feb. 25—The Berks County Commissioners on Thursday approved sending a letter of support to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding a white paper proposal for the Berks County Residential Center.

However, the commissioners did not provide the public with information on what that proposal is.

Commissioner Kevin S. Barnhardt opposed the motion without comment.

There was no discussion about what was contained in either the letter or the ICE proposal.

A request for copies of the letter and proposal made prior to the meeting was denied. Stephanie M. Weaver, county spokeswoman, said the Reading Eagle would have to file a right-to-know request to view copies of the documents.

The Eagle has filed a right-to-know request with the county. The county must reply within five business days.

The Bern Township center is one of three facilities in the nation where ICE detains families with children seeking asylum.

The county manages the center and is reimbursed by the federal government. In return, ICE pays to lease office space and provides about $1 million in revenue annually to the county.

Barnhardt, who opposes the continuation of the arrangement between the county and ICE to manage the facility, did not immediately return a request seeking comment following the meeting Thursday.