Immigration Advocates Urge County Commissioners to Reject ICE Contract Extension

Harrisburg Lancaster Lebanon York, PA, September 17, 2026 —

Immigration rights advocates have called on Clearfield County commissioners to reject a proposed contract extension for the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, a privately-owned facility operated by The GEO Group for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The advocates expressed concerns that such an extension could pave the way for the federal government to purchase the center, potentially solidifying private ICE detention operations within Pennsylvania.

The Moshannon Valley Processing Center is an immigration detention facility located in Clearfield County. The contract in question is between Clearfield County and The GEO Group, which manages the center for ICE. Advocates argue that extending this contract is a move that could lead to the permanent establishment of private ICE detention centers in the state.

The specific details regarding the length of the proposed contract extension or the financial implications for Clearfield County were not provided in the available information.

The opposition from immigration rights advocates centers on the long-term implications of private detention facilities. Their stated concern is that an extended contract, followed by a potential federal purchase, would entrench a model of immigration detention that they view negatively.

The GEO Group is a private prison company that contracts with government agencies, including ICE, to operate detention facilities. The role of private companies in immigration detention has been a subject of ongoing debate and scrutiny by human rights organizations and policymakers. Advocates often point to issues of accountability, cost-effectiveness, and the potential for profit motives to influence detention conditions.

As of the latest information, the Clearfield County commissioners have not yet voted on the contract extension. The outcome of this decision is anticipated by advocacy groups and stakeholders involved in immigration policy discussions in the region. Further details regarding the commissioners’ deliberations and the specifics of the contract are expected to emerge as the decision process continues.

The potential federal purchase of the facility represents a significant shift, moving from a county-facilitated contract with a private operator to direct federal ownership or operation. Advocates are urging commissioners to consider the broader implications for immigration enforcement and detention practices in Pennsylvania before making a decision on the contract extension.

Story summarized from the original created by Peter Hall on penncapital-star.com, see more information here.

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