Following contact from concerned residents last week, Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt released a statement on reports of Woodbury being among potential locations for a future ICE detention facility:
“A recent news report indicated Woodbury might be included among potential locations for a future U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. Since that report, residents have contacted the city with concerns, and many have expressed strong opposition to a faculty of this nature.
“I understand that uncertainty like this can be unsettling, and I appreciate the residents who have reached out with questions and concerns. In moments like these, people deserve clear, verified information — and a steady, transparent response from their local government. I want to be clear: I share your concerns, and our Council members and city staff do as well.
“At this time, city staff have not been contacted by ICE or any federal agency regarding the acquisition or use of any property in Woodbury for this purpose. The city first learned of the report through residents reaching out to staff. In response, staff has repeatedly contacted individuals connected to the warehouse property on Hudson Road that has been referenced publicly, and those parties indicated that they are not aware of any pending or proposed lease or sale involving ICE. We’ve also reached out to our federal elected officials, the Department of Homeland Security and the original media source and have not learned any additional information on the matter. If eh city were to be contacted regarding this type of use, we will work to confirm the city’s regulatory ability based on the information provided.
“If an application or notification from the federal government is received, the city will facilitate conversations with decision makers and invite them to participate in public discussions. We will keep the community informed if we receive additional information.”