EASTON, Pa. -- The Northampton County executive is calling on developers and property owners to refuse to sell or lease county property to the federal government for the purpose of immigration detention. County Executive Tara Zrinski issued the public letter, saying economic development should "strengthen lives rather than diminish them." She says supporting or facilitating immigration detention centers undermines the county's commitment to human rights, social justice and responsible development. "Furthermore, I refuse to pretend that the quiet acquisition of warehouse or industrial space in Northampton County is a neutral act," she said. "It is likely only the beginning of something far more troubling. These facilities could enable ICE and its partners to conduct operations that bring fear and intimidation into the heart of our neighborhoods, changing the character of the place we call home." 69 News reached out for comment to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) but has not heard back.