Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on February 17, 2026
Protest, Vigil Held Outside Batavia ICE Detention Center
About 100 people gathered Sunday outside the ICE detention center in Batavia for a protest and candlelight vigil honoring detainees who have died in federal custody.
The demonstration began around 3 p.m. near Route 98 and Federal Drive, outside the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. Participants later walked to the entrance, where Reverend Leah Ntuala of First Presbyterian Church of Seneca Falls read the names of 36 people who died in ICE and Border Patrol custody.
The group held a memorial service followed by a 39-minute moment of silence.
Organizers say the event was meant to call attention to detention conditions and enforcement practices. Some attendees cited concerns about transparency and expanding immigration enforcement.
The gathering remained peaceful.
Early Morning Loader Fire in Elba Contained
Fire crews were called out around 6:30 Monday morning for a fully involved loader fire inside an open shed on Batavia-Elba Townline Road in Elba.
Elba Fire and Town of Batavia Fire responded to the scene at 4109 Batavia Elba Townline Road, with a second alarm bringing in Oakfield, the City of Batavia, and an ambulance. Barre filled in for Elba.
Officials say the structure was unoccupied. The fire was brought under control, and assisting departments were cleared by noon. A temporary hydrant issue was reported but has been resolved.
DHS Funding Standoff Triggers Partial Shutdown
A partial government shutdown is underway after lawmakers and the White House failed to reach a deal on funding the Department of Homeland Security.
The dispute centers on Democratic demands for increased oversight of federal immigration officers following last month’s fatal shootings in Minneapolis. Proposed changes include requiring agents to clearly identify themselves, wear body cameras, and obtain judicial warrants for certain arrests.
The Trump administration has rejected several of those proposals, arguing officers need flexibility and protection during enforcement operations.
Congress is in recess until February 23, with both sides entrenched. About 90 percent of DHS employees are continuing to work without pay, while immigration enforcement operations continue using previously approved funding.
Elba, Oakfield-Alabama Roll in Monday Wins
Elba powered past Lima Christian 81-47 Monday night. Brady Werth led the way with 31 points and 12 rebounds, while Bing Zuber added 10 points, 16 boards and seven assists. The Lancers improve to 14-5 and close the regular season Wednesday.
Oakfield-Alabama stayed unbeaten with a 70-33 win over Roy-Hart. Hadley Hicks filled the stat sheet with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. The Hornets jumped out early and never looked back, moving to 19-0 on the season.
