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County moves to evict ICE over unpaid rent
County governments rarely clash publicly with federal agencies, but a recent dispute in Pennsylvania is changing that narrative. A quiet lease arrangement has turned into a high-stakes fight over money, oversight, and accountability.
As details continue to emerge, the situation raises bigger questions about how local resources are managed and who is responsible when agreements fall apart. Here’s a closer look at how this conflict unfolded and why it’s getting national attention.
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Unpaid rent totals roughly $115,000
According to Lehigh County officials, ICE and DHS owe more than $115,000 in unpaid rent for the county‑owned office space they occupied without paying. The figure reflects rent accumulated since the agencies began using the space.
County leaders said unpaid rent could include additional fees and that failure to collect these funds has negatively impacted the county’s budget. The controller’s reports led directly to the county’s decision to pursue eviction and demand repayment.
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Lease confusion dates back to 2022 agreement
County officials say the arrangement started with a memorandum/MOU approved in May 2022, meant to cover occupancy while longer-term lease terms were finalized…