Lehigh County officials are calling for the eviction of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from county property after new findings show years of unpaid federal occupancy.
According to officials, ICE has occupied county-owned office space for more than three years without paying rent or executing a valid lease.
During a press conference on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Mark Pinsley, the County Controller, said ICE owes more than $115,000 in unpaid rent.
“We can give them a taste of their own medicine. We are going to deport ICE,” said Pinsley.
Pinsley called for the termination of all negotiations with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the eviction of federal immigration enforcement agencies from county property.
“I sent a memo to the county administration advising them what is happening, and I asked them to send two messages to Kristi Noem. You’re evicted. Pack your masks, tear gas, pepper balls and hit the road,” said Pinsley. “You owe Lehigh County $115,000 in back rent. Since Congress gave you a $5 billion appropriation. You could probably take it out in petty cash. But we will like it by the end of the week.”
Pinsley added that the county has also established a database that allows citizens to report issues with ICE.
