Following DHS’s Disclosure of Nearly $17 Million Expansion, Kennedy Makes Unannounced Visit to ICE Batavia Facility to Inspect Conditions and Conduct Oversight

Kennedy Questions ICE Officials and Witnesses State of the Facility and its Detainees Firsthand

BUFFALO, N.Y. - After receiving written confirmation from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that ICE is proceeding with a nearly $17 million expansion at their Batavia facility, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) made an unannounced visit to the Service Processing Center to witness firsthand the wellbeing of detainees, conditions of the facility, and to inspect the expansion. DHS held 653 individuals at Batavia as of July 2026 and has begun construction to create a new detention facility for women. DHS noted that, depending on the need, men may be housed in the new facility as well. More than 70% of the detainees at Batavia have no criminal history.

However, several questions about the expansion, medical care, and the treatment of detainees remained unanswered. Following his visit, Congressman Kennedy, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to DHS seeking additional information about the planned expansion, the availability of adequate medical care, the number and circumstances of individuals being detained, and policies impeding access to legal representation. The letter calls for greater transparency and accountability as DHS moves forward with its plans for the facility.

"Conducting oversight of federal agencies is one of my fundamental responsibilities in Congress, and I will not allow a nearly $17 million expansion of a federal detention facility to move forward without demanding answers. I went to Batavia to see the conditions firsthand, ask questions, and get clear answers about the planned expansion, medical care, and the treatment of detainees. When questions about medical care, the treatment of detainees, and access to legal representation remain, DHS has a responsibility to provide clear answers," said Congressman Kennedy. "I will continue pressing for transparency and accountability to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly and the basic needs of those in federal custody are being met."

Pursuant to Section 527 of the FY2024 DHS Appropriations Act, DHS is legally obligated to allow Members of Congress to inspect detainee facilities without prior notice. This law has been upheld in federal court in the case of Neguse et al v. U.S. ICE et al.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

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