Erie County officials are defending the fiscal value of its federal inmate housing agreement following recent county council decisions and public debate.

In a newly released statement, the Davis Administration clarified that Erie County does not have a direct contract with ICE, but maintains a long-standing agreement with the U.S.

Marshals Service to house federal inmates, including some from other federal agencies.

In 2025 so far, Erie County has:

   •Housed 40 federal inmates for 3,913 days, generating $387,387

   •Housed 262 ICE detainees for 2,272 days, generating $224,928

Officials emphasized that these revenues directly support the Erie County Correctional Facility and help cover critical expenses like staff overtime and major infrastructure repairs, including a $600,000 boiler replacement.

“The contract is a fiscally responsible tool that reduces the burden on local taxpayers,” the administration stated. “We renegotiated higher rates to ensure residents see tangible benefits.”