At a Glance
- ICE has occupied county-owned office space for over three years without paying rent or a lease.
- County Controller Mark Pinsley claims the agency owes $115,000 in unpaid rent.
- Pinsley has called for the termination of negotiations with the Department of Homeland Security and the eviction of federal agencies from county property.
- Why it matters: The dispute highlights how federal agencies can occupy local property without proper agreements, sparking a public debate over accountability and local governance.
Lehigh County officials are demanding that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vacate county property after uncovering years of unpaid federal occupancy. The county’s call for eviction follows new findings that the federal agency has been using county-owned office space for more than three years without paying rent or signing a valid lease.
County Officials’ Findings
During a press conference held on January 20, 2026, County Controller Mark Pinsley presented evidence that ICE has not complied with basic leasing requirements. He stated that the agency owes $115,000 in unpaid rent. “We can give them a taste of their own medicine. We are going to deport ICE,” Pinsley said, underscoring the county’s frustration with the situation.
Pinsley also announced that the county has established a database to allow citizens to report issues related to ICE’s presence. The database aims to give residents a direct channel to voice concerns and document incidents involving federal enforcement personnel on county property.
Demand for Eviction
Pinsley called for the termination of all negotiations with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the eviction of federal immigration enforcement agencies from county property. He said, “I sent a memo to the county administration advising them what is happening, and I asked them to send two messages to Kristi Noem. You’re evicted. Pack your masks, tear gas, pepper balls and hit the road.”
He added that the county’s debt to ICE is $115,000 in back rent, noting that the federal agency had received a $5 billion appropriation from Congress. Pinsley concluded, “You owe Lehigh County $115,000 in back rent. Since Congress gave you a $5 billion appropriation. You could probably take it out in petty cash. But we will like it by the end of the week.”
Implications for Local Governance
The situation raises questions about how federal agencies operate on local property. Lehigh County officials argue that the lack of a valid lease and unpaid rent violate local property agreements. By demanding eviction, the county seeks to assert control over its real-estate assets and enforce accountability.
The county’s database for citizen reports is a new tool that could help monitor federal activity on county property. Residents can now document incidents and raise concerns directly with county officials, potentially increasing transparency and oversight.
Community Response
While the article does not detail community reactions, the establishment of a reporting database suggests that local residents are encouraged to participate. The county’s push for eviction may also influence public opinion on federal presence in local jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Lehigh County’s demand for the removal of ICE from county property underscores the importance of proper leasing agreements and payment of rent. The county’s actions, coupled with the new citizen reporting database, aim to hold federal agencies accountable for their use of local resources. The outcome of this dispute will likely affect how federal agencies engage with local governments in the future.
Key Takeaways
- ICE occupies county property for over three years without a lease or rent.
- County Controller pinsley cites $115,000 in unpaid rent.
- The county urges termination of negotiations and eviction of ICE.
- A new database lets residents report ICE-related incidents.
- The dispute highlights tensions between federal agencies and local governance.
