Federal law enforcement seeking Pittsburgh office space
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Downtown Pittsburgh. Photo: Alexis Johnson/Axios
Federal officials are looking to rent office space to support unspecified law enforcement actions in Pittsburgh and 19 other cities across the country.
Why it matters: The effort comes as the National Guard deploys in cities across the country and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) expands its reach with billions in new funding.
Driving the news: The General Services Administration posted a request last month for a 10-year lease on 11,500 to 18,500 square feet of office space.
- GSA told Axios that it is committed to helping all of its partner agencies meet their workspace needs, but didn't specify which agency was seeking office space in Pittsburgh.
Between the lines: NPR and the Washington Post both reported last month that the office space request is being made on behalf of ICE.
- President Trump has decried Democrat-led cities and has deployed the National Guard in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
- Trump suggested Monday he may use the Insurrection Act if courts continue to bar him from deploying the National Guard to cities across the U.S.
Context: Congress provided ICE with nearly $30 billion this summer to fund hiring, training and retention of more ICE officers.
Zoom in: Each office lease request asked for desk space for 70 people.
Zoom out: Columbus, Ohio — less than 200 miles from Pittsburgh — was also on the list of cities where the feds want more office space.
- The General Services Administration is also looking for office space in Boise, Idaho; St. Louis; Tampa; and other cities.
Friction point: Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, a Democrat, did not return a request for comment, but has said in the past the city won't cooperate with ICE officials in federal immigration enforcement efforts, and has criticized President Trump's enforcement strategy.
- Both Democratic mayoral candidate Corey O'Connor and Republican candidate Tony Moreno said Tuesday in a debate that Pittsburgh does not need the National Guard deployed here and they would reject any efforts.
Flashback: Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have seen sharp declines in homicide rates this year.
ICE did not respond to a request for comment.