ICE has been operating in Orange County, NY since late 2025. Local media has reported on ICE opening a detention facility in Chester, NY as well as an office being used for ICE operations in New Windsor, NY. This raises concerns for Cortland as this situation has proven that ICE may operate in small New York communities.
In early 2026, the New York Immigration Coalition discovered that ICE was planning to purchase and redo a warehouse property at 29 Elizabeth Drive in Chester NY. Formerly a Pep Boys distribution warehouse, the space would be converted into a detention facility that would hold up to 1,500 immigrants. It was part of a national plan to expand the capacity number for detention centers up to 80,000. Locals officials said they did not know about this happening prior to the reports. ICE eventually retracted the plan after major public outcry. But if not for the outcry the detention center may have been built.
Unlike Chester, NY, New Windsor, did open an ICE facility. The former office building space was leased at 843 Union Avenue near New York Stewart International Airport with a General Services Administration (GSA) contract. They were operating from the office for about 4 months on local taxpayers expense, before local media reported their activities. No local or federal officials were notified of it occurring.
Public Response
In response, there were protests in both New Windsor and Chester. Hundreds showed up outside of the warehouse site and office building. More protests are scheduled to take place, in hopes of disturbing ICE operations. There is also a growing call for policy change and legislative action.
The two sites added cameras outside and inside, and “do not trespass” signs after the protests occurred.
Local and federal officials have also come out against ICE operations. City of Newburgh council member, Giselle Martinez said, “From the ICE detention center being proposed in Chester to their secret office in New Windsor, the message is loud and clear; our community does not want ICE here in the Hudson Valley or anywhere. We have bi-partisan support from elected officials across all levels of government to oppose ICE’s operations in our backyards.”
Pat Ryan, Congressmen, demanded ICE and the former Depart of Homeland Security Secretary, Krisi Noem to answer his questions.
“Especially after what we’ve seen in Minnesota – the surge of agents killing civilians, detaining children, and breaking into people’s homes, we should all be concerned about their repeated attempts to move into our community,” said Ryan. “Additionally, this was done, as is increasingly the case, without any coordination with local or federal representatives for the area – as Supervisor Bedetti has rightly pointed out. That’s why I’m demanding immediate answers from the Administration. The power to keep ICE out is in our hands – and I won’t give up this fight.”
There was a petition made in protest for both sites, with over 20,000 signatures each.
Why Should Cortland Be Concerned?
This situation raises concerns for small communities, like Cortland. It has already been proven that ICE is not afraid to appear in smaller towns with no warnings or knowledge from local officials. It is also already a reality for surrounding towns, like Syracuse.
Syracuse is located within 35-40 minutes of Cortland has experienced ICE operations and arrests. This confirms that ICE is already within the region, making this situation become closer to a reality.
This is also worrisome as SUNY Cortland has international students. If ICE enters Cortland, it raises concerns for how those students would be affected with living, studying, and working on campus.
Orange County’s situation raises question on how transparent federal offices are with local offices. With this lack of transparency, confirmed sightings within the region already, and proof that ICE is operating in small towns, ICE operations occurring in Cortland is not out of the question. It is not something to panic about just yet. However, it be would ignorant to think that it couldn’t happen here in Cortland.
Interview with Students
Two students were interviewed with the Dragon Chronicle. Both of their identities are anonymous.
Q: How did you feel when you found out ICE was in surrounding towns, like Syracuse?
Student 1: “I felt sick to my stomach. I was thinking about the innocent people being ripped from their homes and cars. It is so scary to think that they are not even an hour away from Cortland. It honestly has made me feel pretty paranoid.”
Student 2: “It made me think of my family and community. Even though I am a student, it is something I find myself focusing on a lot. It is on my mind daily. I know people that could be affected so it has given me a lot of anxiety. I have even been putting more thought into where I go and what I do.”
Q: Do you think it is possible that they could come to Cortland?
Student 1: “Yes, which is scary. I wish it wasn’t possible but it is more of a reality than people think.”
Student 2: “Absolutely. It can happen to any community, no matter the size. Cortland is not excluded to the possibility.”
Q: How do you think the community would react or change?
Student 1: “I think people would become more nervous because no one knows who could be targeted. The community would not feel as safe. But, I do think the community would also come together to support and protect one another. I have seen Cortland protest for “No King’s” Day, so I would believe that protests would break out against ICE.”
Student 2: “I don’t know exactly. I do know that Cortland would definitely change though. It could look like what is going on in Minneapolis. Yeah, I don’t know.”
What’s Next?
It is important to keep up with local news outlets to stay up to date and educated on what is going on within the community. It is best to stay knowledgeable and not turn a blind eye the possibility of ICE coming to Cortland.