Alford Urges ICE to Consider Cass County Sites for Proposed Detention and Processing Facility

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) sent a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons. Congressman Alford is urging ICE to consider sites in Cass County for the proposed Kansas City-area detention and processing facility.

Following Kansas City's misguided moratorium on non-municipal detention facilities, Alford cites Cass County's proximity major transportation corridors, available industrial and commercial sites, and cooperation with federal law enforcement as reasons for its consideration.

Read the full letter here or below:

"Dear Acting Director Lyons,

"Thank you for your leadership in enforcing federal immigration law and restoring order and integrity to our nation's immigration system. I stand with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) efforts to ensure that immigration enforcement operations are conducted efficiently, lawfully, and in a manner consistent with federal priorities.

"I am writing regarding recent reports that ICE and DHS have toured potential sites in Kansas City, Missouri, for a large-scale immigration detention and processing facility. As you are aware, Kansas City officials have responded by imposing a sweeping moratorium on approvals for non-municipal detention facilities, explicitly aimed at preventing the establishment of an ICE facility within the city. This action reflects a broader pattern of local resistance to lawful federal enforcement activities and creates unnecessary legal, logistical, and political obstacles to the execution of ICE's mission.

"If Kansas City doesn't want an ICE facility, Cass County has several sire options near I-49 which would be ideal fits for ICE's needs. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, we look forward to helping make this happen in the 4^th Congressional District.

"Cass County offers several clear advantages. Local leadership and residents have demonstrated a willingness to work constructively with federal partners, respect the rule of law, and support public safety missions. The county provides access to major transportation corridors, available industrial and commercial sites, and the infrastructure necessary to support a secure and efficient federal facility, without the regulatory uncertainty or political obstruction currently present in Kansas City.

"Additionally, placing a facility in Cass County would reduce conflict with municipal governments while ensuring ICE can operate effectively in the region. A cooperative jurisdiction would allow federal officials to focus on enforcement operations rather than litigation, permitting disputes, or public opposition campaigns designed to undermine federal authority.

"The federal government should not be forced to negotiate with jurisdictions that openly seek to block or delay the execution of federal law. Cass County presents an opportunity to partner with a community that understands the importance of border security, public safety, and respect for federal responsibilities.

"Thank you for your consideration of this request. I stand ready to assist your agencies in coordinating with local officials in Cass County and ensuring that any future facility is located in a jurisdiction committed to cooperation rather than obstruction."

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