ROXBURY - Rep. Thomas H. Kean Jr. finally has said something about a proposed ICE detention center along Route 46.

Here is his statement, which was issued Thursday morning.

"I wanted to connect with you on the issue of federal law enforcement potentially operating a detention facility in an existing warehouse within the Township of Roxbury. From the beginning, for the past ten months, I have been fully engaged in addressing this situation and fighting for the people of Roxbury. I am working on this issue every single day, and my entire team is doing the same.

"We have been in constant, close contact with local leaders in Roxbury, working hand-in-hand with them to understand the community’s concerns, pursue every available option, and make sure Roxbury’s voice is heard. At the same time, I have engaged directly with the highest levels of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and all corners of government, continuing to press federal officials for answers and a workable path forward.

"I will leave no stone unturned and I will continue to be fully engaged, accessible, and I will not stop fighting until we have exhausted every avenue available to us.

"The overwhelming majority of residents, along with the state and the country, support getting criminal illegal migrants off our streets and stopping the flow of deadly drugs. We need to, and will, continue to ensure all levels of government are communicating as we continue to work constructively to deliver results."

This is the congressman's first statement on the controversy since he returned to Congress on June 30 following a near 4-month absence because of depression.

A few observations need to be made.

The above statement omits the rather pertinent fact that Roxbury - and the state - are suing to stop development of the center.

Also, it speaks of the congressman being "fully engaged" in fighting for the people of Roxbury. A few months ago, the all-Republican township council publicly criticized Kean for not being a strong enough advocate for them.

Most tellingly, perhaps, Kean's statement does not say whether he supports, or opposes, the ICE center in Roxbury.