November 29, 2023

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing to you today with grave concerns about the situation at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center
located in Southern California in San Bernardino County, where the jobs and livelihoods of 350 union members are
currently being threatened. Our union, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), an affiliate of
the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), represents the non-guard support
staff at this facility. Medical staff at the processing center are represented by the International Brotherhood of
Teamsters (IBT), and guards are represented by United Government Security Officers of America (UGSOA).

We were alarmed to learn earlier this week that the dramatic underutilization of the Adelanto ICE
Processing Center, a matter that could and should have been resolved months ago, could now lead to the closure of
the facility and the termination of our members who work there. This layoff would devastate our members, their
families, and the Southern California communities where these proud union members work and live. Worst of all,
we are told that if closure occurs, our members will most likely be laid off on December 19th, just days before the
holidays. I cannot believe this Administration would allow that to happen to these dedicated workers who provide
an invaluable daily service to the American people.

This Administration considering the closure of the Adelanto ICE Processing Center at a time when
capacity is so desperately needed in this area is genuinely perplexing and seemingly counter-intuitive. In its
October 20, 2023, supplemental request, your Administration called for funding 12,500 beds. The Department of
Homeland Security's additional request fact sheet states: “With more displaced persons in the hemisphere than ever
before, it is of vital importance that we add this surge capacity to prevent overcrowding and dangerous conditions
in Border Patrol Facilities and avoid instances of high releases directly to border communities.” It is wholly
inconsistent with the supplemental request to ask for more funding for detention beds when Adelanto is already
paid for under existing appropriations, and intake could begin quite quickly if doing so was prioritized by this
Administration.

I request a meeting with your Domestic Policy Council as soon as it can be arranged to discuss this critical
matter. Further, I ask that your Administration hold off on any decision relating to the Adelanto ICE Processing
Center until the union workers, most heavily impacted by that decision, have heard their voices.

Sincerely,

Randy Erwin
National President
National Federation of Federal Employees