WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is pressing federal officials to take a closer look at a proposed immigration processing facility in Roxbury Township, warning that local concerns must be fully addressed before any final decision is made.
In a letter sent Tuesday to newly confirmed Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Kean called for a more thorough review of the Department of Homeland Security’s plan and urged stronger coordination with municipal leaders.
“I respectfully request that the Department take a deeper look at the proposal and give careful consideration to the concerns raised by local officials,” Kean wrote, emphasizing the need for collaboration across all levels of government.
The proposed facility has sparked pushback from local elected officials, who warn it could carry significant consequences for the Morris County community. Among their concerns: a potential loss of municipal tax revenue, increased strain on police and emergency services, and questions about whether existing utility infrastructure can support the site.
Kean echoed those concerns, arguing that better communication between federal authorities and township leadership is essential as the process moves forward.
“A high level of coordination between federal officials and local leadership would be hugely beneficial,” he wrote, “ensuring that decisions are informed by on-the-ground realities.”
The letter also ties into Kean’s broader legislative push on the issue. Earlier this year, he introduced the Local Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026, a bill aimed at shielding towns like Roxbury from having to absorb the financial burden of hosting federal detention or processing facilities.
The proposal remains under review by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and it is unclear when a final decision will be made. In the meantime, Kean is positioning himself as an advocate for local governments seeking a greater voice in federal siting decisions that directly impact their communities.
