One of the Democrat candidates vying for a chance to oppose US Rep. Dan Meuser in the 2026 Election is hosting a town hall event this week on a proposed ICE processing center in Schuylkill County.
Rachel Wallace, a Pottsville native and Schuylkill County resident, says she’s heard from many locally who have “deep concerns” about a reported proposal to place an ICE processing facility in Tremont Township at the site of the former Big Lots distribution center.
On Thursday, Wallace says she’s hosting a town hall event at Newtown Volunteer Fire Co. in Reilly Township to discuss those proposed plans. It’s planned for 6 p.m. and is open to the public. Wallace is asking residents to RSVP by emailing info@wallaceforcongress.com.
“I’ve heard from many people in our community who have deep concerns about this facility, including public safety, the impact on the local economy and utilities, and the chaos and division this is sure to bring to our doorstep,” Wallace says in a statement released Monday.
Wallace is critical of Meuser for staying silent on the proposal. She says he’s hosted no public forum and released any statements on the proposed ICE facility.
“At a moment when residents deserve transparency and leadership, our congressman has offered neither, leaving local and county officials to try and fill in the blanks. If Dan Meuser won’t show up, won’t listen, and won’t advocate for us, then I will,” she says.
Some news outlets have reported that a deal has been finalized for the US government to purchase the former Big Lots distribution center in Tremont Township.
However, the Canary has been in contact with Schuylkill County officials who would definitely know if the property has changed hands and they’ve said repeatedly that nothing has crossed their desks indicating a deal has been finalized.
Late last year, The Washington Post reported that ICE is planning to use mostly warehouse properties across the US to serve as processing or detention centers for illegal immigrants arrested by ICE agents.
One of those locations in the WaPo report was one in “Tremont” that would serve as a 1,500-bed processing facility.
The Canary learned two weeks ago through unconfirmed reports that agents with the federal government were in Schuylkill County to assess the Big Lots property.
READ MORE:
WaPo: ICE Processing Facility Proposed for Schuylkill County
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...
Howard Pryda
January 26, 2026 at 10:33 pm
Meuser is a RINO getting rich from insider trading.
PA GOP needs better candidates.
Debbie
January 27, 2026 at 8:42 am
You know your neighborhood has gone south when your local sandwich shop,Fast Freddie’s, becomes Bad Boy Burrito.