POUGHKEEPSIE — The Dutchess County Legislature passed a resolution Monday, March 9, to oppose a proposed federal immigration detention center in neighboring Chester, New York. The legislature passed the resolution 20-0 with unanimous bipartisan support. Five legislators were absent.
The measure cites concerns about due process, transparency and potential regional impacts. Although it does not prevent the detention facility from being built, it is symbolic of Dutchess County’s opposition and outlines concerns about how the project could affect communities throughout the Hudson Valley.
The resolution was previously considered during a meeting of the Public Safety Committee, chaired by local legislator Eric Alexander of District 25, who represents Amenia, Millbrook, the Town of Washington and part of Pleasant Valley.
District 19 legislator Chris Drago — who represents the towns of Stanford, Pine Plains, Milan, Red Hook, North East and the Village of Millerton — voiced his support for the resolution during last week’s Public Safety Committee. He said the issue transcends political divisions.
“Public safety is not partisan,” Drago said. “When I was elected, I was elected to protect all people of Dutchess County, not just some.”
He added that public safety means ensuring residents feel safe in their homes and communities and are able to work, raise their families and travel without fear.
Drago said recent immigration enforcement actions have had ripple effects throughout communities.
“The harm extends beyond the individual,” he said, referring to ICE arrests of residents in homes, workplaces and neighborhoods. “It causes trauma to children and families and destabilizes local businesses. We don’t want or need ICE here.”
The resolution states that since its founding, “Dutchess County has been a strong, stable, and welcoming community, enriched by the contributions of individuals from every race, background, religion, creed, and national origin, including immigrants and families who live, work, raise children, and contribute meaningfully to the County’s economic, agricultural, and civic life.”
It also denounces and condemns “hate, discrimination, intimidation, and bigotry in all of their manifestations, including hate directed at immigrants” and reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a welcoming, safe, and inclusive county.
Beyond moral and legal concerns, the resolution highlights possible regional consequences if the Chester detention center moves forward.
Legislators cited the potential for added strain on hospitals, emergency medical services, housing resources, mental health providers, social service agencies and legal systems in nearby counties, including Dutchess.
The resolution formally states Dutchess County’s opposition to the proposed detention facility while reaffirming its commitment to remain a “welcoming community for all.”
