Congressman Joe Morelle Demands Answers From ICE Over $17 Million Expansion of Batavia Detention Facility

Image October 29, 2026 Press Release Morelle raises serious concerns over taxpayer spending, inadequate medical staffing, and plans to house up to 100 women in a temporary detention structure (Rochester, N.Y.)— Congressman Joe Morelle is demanding answers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding its plans to spend approximately $17 million in taxpayer dollars to expand the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, New York. In a letter to ICE Acting Director David Venturella, Congressman Morelle raised serious concerns about the proposed construction of a temporary structure intended to house up to 100 women, citing unanswered questions about the facility's safety, medical capabilities, and oversight of federal spending. The proposed expansion comes as the Trump administration continues to pursue a cruel and reckless immigration agenda that prioritizes mass detention and deportation over due process, public safety, and basic human dignity. “ICE is preparing to spend $17 million in taxpayer dollars to expand detention capacity at Batavia, yet we still don't have basic answers about what they're building, how it will operate, or whether they can safely care for the people being held there,” said Congressman Morelle. “I've seen firsthand the impact detention has on individuals and their families, and I refuse to accept a situation where expanding capacity takes priority over basic human dignity and safety. The Trump administration's cruel immigration agenda is tearing families apart and treating human beings as little more than numbers in a detention system. ICE owes Congress and the American people answers, and until they can demonstrate that this expansion meets appropriate health and safety standards, they should not be housing additional detainees there.” Earlier this year, Congressman Morelle visited the Batavia detention facility to meet with a Rochester constituent being held there. That visit reinforced his concerns about the impact of prolonged immigration detention on individuals and their families, as well as the importance of ensuring detainees have access to necessary medical care and legal representation. Congressman Morelle has requested that ICE provide written responses to comprehensive questions demanding greater transparency and accountability regarding the expansion, along with supporting documentation, by December 3, 2026. He is also urging the agency to refrain from housing additional detainees in the expanded facility until it can demonstrate compliance with applicable health, safety, staffing, and detention standards. The full letter to Acting Director Venturella can be viewed here . ###