Hanover Board asks ICE to reconsider proposed facility
The Hanover Board of Supervisors made a statement Wednesday night opposing the construction of a government "processing facility" that would hold as many as 1,500 people detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
"It is clear this location is not an appropriate one," Board Chair Sean M. Davis said, reading a statement unanimously approved by the Board.
The statement acknowledged that the federal government may not have to respect the wishes of the Board, but asked that the Department of Homeland Security consider the county's feedback.
"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," Davis said.
The location of the facility, which would be directly across the street from a Bass Pro Shops, is one of the things Davis cited in his objection.
Several hundred protestors gathered outside the meeting, with more circling the facility after parking lots filled up. The building's lobby was turned into an overflow room, and the crowd in that area let out a loud cheer as the statement was read.
The meeting drew intense interest, with multiple Canadian media outlets in attendance. The warehouse in question is owned by Jim Pattison Developments, a Canadian company.
The company put out a statement on Wednesday saying it did not know the intended use of the building when it agreed to the sale. The firm told the Canadian Press the sale remains subject to approvals and closing conditions and it intends on "complying with all applicable laws."
Before the meeting, the Hanover Board had an extensive closed session to discuss the proposed facility with its legal council.
After that session, Davis read the statement on behalf of the board.
"Please know that while the federal government is generally exempt from our zoning regulations and the board is limited in being able to prevent federal facilities from operating – if, in fact, the federal government chooses to do so, it is our expectation that DHS, after receiving the county comments, reconsiders its decision to purchase this property," he said.
Hanover is working on a detailed letter to the federal government outlining its concerns.
"The board requests that our U.S. Senators and Representatives work with DHS to find a more suitable location for its operations and assist with ending plans for the proposed facility," the statement said. "(In addition,) the board is directing the county attorney to further evaluate the county's legal options in this matter.
"The board hopes that DHS will not proceed with the acquisition, and sincerely hopes that they will look for a more suitable location for this type of operation."
Michael Phillips
As he read the statement, Davis said the Board was not speaking to federal immigration policy, but to land use and budget decisions, as well as a desire for transparency on important decisions.
"The board comments and the County's upcoming response should not be read as a position on processing or detention operations in general," he said. "In fact, Hanover County and its regional partners operate a regional detention facility, the Pamunkey Regional Jail, here in the county.
"However, the board went through proper local land use procedures prior to the construction of that facility. We worked diligently on an appropriate location that would not be visible to the general public, and that is away from our economic development zones.
"Simply put, a DHS facility at this property on Lake Ridge Parkway is not consistent with the established land use for the business, residential and commerce area."
There were 171 registered public speakers at the meeting, and the Board extended public comment to two hours in an attempt to get to as many of them as possible.
Adam Pillsbury, a South Anna resident, invoked Hanover's revolutionary spirit in standing up to federal government overreach.
"Are we willing to bring a facility associated with these contested practices into a county that prides itself on its revolutionary legacy?" he asked. "I believe Hanover can and should say no, not out of hostility or fear, but on principle."
Not all speakers were in favor of the County's statement.
"I think it is sad that activist groups want to bus in people from other counties, not residents of Hanover County, to make a big, fake production," said Cold Harbor resident Kristin Holte. "Please do not delay this proposed facility. ... I want illegal immigrants arrested, housed and deported to keep Americans safe."
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula issued a statement of support for Hanover’s actions.
“While Richmond has no jurisdiction over that process, I share the concerns it raises for families across our region.” he wrote. “My colleagues in Hanover, who just this evening expressed their strong concern, have my support as they continue to navigate this issue.”
County officials said they will make their response to DHS public when it is sent in the coming days.
Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.
