January 27, 2026
Rumors are all over local social media and other local media pages, about an tem on the Steuben County Legislature’s agenda tomorrow. This resulted in the Hornell Democrats putting out a statement, pointing out that there is an Immigration Customs Enforcement related matter, on the agenda.
Below is the statement from the Hornell Democrats:
“Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard is seeking approval from the Steuben County Legislature to sign an updated intergovernmental agreement that allows federal prisoners (including ICE detainees) to be housed in the Steuben County Jail. The updated agreement will increase the per diem rate that the county charges the federal government. Contrary to some reports, the agreement does NOT authorize the construction of an ICE detention facility in Steuben County. A resolution on the agreement will be discussed during the Steuben County Legislature meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m., at the Steuben County Annex (20 E Morris St, Bath, NY 14810) Attend the legislative meeting on Wednesday. Arrive at least 15 minutes early and sign up to ask a question or make a comment about the resolution. At the appropriate time, the chair will grant you three minutes to speak. What can you do?” A(fter that, the Hornell Dems listed the contact info for Hornell area Steuben County Lawmakers Dan Warriner and Paul Van Caeseele.)
FROM STEUBEN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR SHAWN HOGAN: “I can’t make tomorrow’s County Legislature meeting so I will send my thoughts to you. In light of the tragic events in Minneapolis/ St. Paul I strongly believe the county should give pause to rubber stamping Sheriffs Allards agreement with ICE. This agreement should be fully vetted and reviewed and be subject to public hearings and comments. Let’s be sensitive to the fear and mistrust that surrounds us. Slow down, think this matter through. Respectfully submitted. Shawn D. Hogan, Former 32 year Mayor City of Hornell
Steuben County Statement Regarding Proposed Agreement with the United States Marshals Service:
To The Residents of Steuben County,
County officials have been made aware of questions and concerns of some residents regarding a resolution on the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting of the County Legislature, authorizing the Sheriff to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the United States Marshals Service for the housing of federal prisoners at the Steuben County Jail.
To be clear, Steuben County has entered into the same agreement with the US Marshals Service for well over two decades. Like other counties throughout the state and nation, there are times where there is sufficient capacity in the Jail to house inmates for other governmental entities, including counties, New York State, and the federal government. In such cases, federal prisoners are held while awaiting transit to court appearances or placement in a federal facility. For providing these services, the County is paid a daily rate per federal inmate, which helps offset costs of the Jail.
We are all aware of the challenging circumstances happening across the nation in relation to immigration enforcement. We have the utmost respect for our residents and the questions you all have regarding partnerships with the federal government. This agreement absolutely does not create an ICE detention center, as some have suggested. This agreement is not new nor does it expand the scope of this partnership, it continues operations as they have been for many years.
We appreciate the feedback from residents and wanted to provide clarity on this topic.
Sincerely,
James Allard, Sheriff, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Chair, Steuben County Legislature, Jeffrey P. Horton, County Legislator, Jack K. Wheeler, County Manager
