AG BROWN TAKES LEGAL ACTION TO STOP WA CO WAREHOUSE FROM BECOMING ICE FACILITY: On Monday, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown initiated a federal lawsuit aimed at halting the Trump administration’s “illegal decision” to transform a warehouse in Washington County into a major immigration detention center meant to accommodate 1,500 individuals. William Ford/Maryland Matters.
- The Department of Homeland Security completed the purchase of the 825,620-square-foot warehouse in January for an impressive $102 million. In the legal filing, Maryland officials argued that the Trump administration failed to conduct the necessary environmental reviews and did not seek public input regarding the project or offer a rational explanation for their decision, as mandated by law. Jasmine Golden/The Washington Post.
- The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore could serve as a model for other states intending to challenge the federal agency’s operations. According to Brown, the administration “secretly” acquired the warehouse without consulting state officials or the local community. “Federal law entitles Marylanders to be informed about how and when detention facilities are constructed in their neighborhoods,” stated Brown. “That right was disregarded. Today, we’ve decided to take them to court.” Brenda Wintrode and Madeleine O’Neill/The Baltimore Banner.
- As local Maryland governments oppose the Trump administration’s plans for new federal immigration facilities, the debate is reigniting a longstanding constitutional issue: When the federal government acquires or utilizes property, must it comply with state and local zoning and land use regulations? Natalie Jones/The Baltimore Sun.
COLUMN: WA CO DETENTION CENTER SUPPORT REFLECTS VALUES: A petition urging five Republican commissioners in Washington County, Maryland, to retract their support for a large ICE detention center offers a compelling critique of this decision: “This was not a neutral administrative move; it was a statement of values.” Dan Rodricks/Substack.
STATE LAWMAKERS PURSUE LEGISLATION TO REGULATE ICE FACILITIES: Maryland lawmakers are working to improve regulation of immigration detention centers, building on last week’s ban on formal collaborations between local law enforcement and U.S. ICE. The House Government, Labor, and Elections Committee approved two bills on Friday — each receiving some bipartisan support — aimed at implementing zoning restrictions and minimum standards for such holding facilities. Sarah Petrowich/WYPR-FM.
NOMINEE FOR TRANSIT SECRETARY IS IN LIMBO DUE TO BALTIMORE PROJECT QUESTIONS: After a Senate confirmation hearing on Monday, Gov. Wes Moore’s pick for transportation secretary is currently stalled. Kathryn Thomson, the former FAA director, faced inquiries regarding transportation projects in Baltimore City. However, Senate President Bill Ferguson stated the hold came at the request of the Baltimore City delegation. Additionally, Gov. Wes Moore has officially announced his re-election campaign. Bryan Sears/Maryland Matters.
ACTING SECRETARY OF JUVENILE SERVICES NAVIGATES PANEL QUESTIONING EASILY: Acting Juvenile Services Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino successfully sailed through a panel hearing on Monday, bringing her closer to full Senate confirmation. Gov. Wes Moore has expressed his complete support for Tolentino following the resignation of his first choice to lead the agency, Vincent Schiraldi. Tolentino has been in her current position since June. Brenda Wintrode/The Baltimore Banner.
WHICH CANDIDATES HAVE FILED FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS? Wes Moore is officially in, along with Dan Cox and Ed Hale Sr. Larry Hogan has chosen not to seek office. The governor’s race is currently the highlight of Maryland’s 2026 election cycle. However, there will be a multitude of other races on the ballot, with numerous candidates eager to vie for positions ranging from county councils to the U.S. Congress. Pamela Wood and Brenda Wintrode/The Baltimore Banner.
- Senator Stephen S. Hershey’s exploration of a gubernatorial run came to a quiet end on Friday. The senator, representing the Upper Shore since October 2014, had announced plans in September to create a committee to consider running for the Republican nomination for governor in 2026. Ultimately, he decided to seek re-election to the Senate instead. Bryan Sears/Maryland Matters.
SENATOR ELLIS: UNIQUE AND COURAGEOUS: In the typically collegial world of Annapolis, Senator Arthur Ellis (D-Charles) stands out as a bit of a maverick. He often bucks the trend instead of conforming, occasionally going off on unusual tangents and engaging in lofty debates, frequently taking a stance contrary to that of his fellow Democrats. However, one cannot deny his bravery. Josh Kurtz/Maryland Matters.
WHAT ARE MARYLAND’S CONGRESSPEOPLE DOING INSTEAD OF ATTENDING THE STATE OF THE UNION? Members of Maryland’s congressional delegation have expressed plans to show their discontent toward President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday — some by attending while others will be absent. Danielle Brown and William Ford/Maryland Matters.
- U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Representative April McClain Delaney will not be present. “Trump is steering America toward fascism, and I refuse to normalize his dismantling of our Constitution and democracy,” Van Hollen remarked via social media. “This cannot be business as usual.” Maryam Shahzad/My Montgomery County Media.
Of the ten members in Maryland’s congressional delegation, five plan to attend the president’s address, while two will participate in an anti-Trump rally on the National Mall. One will respond from another location on Capitol Hill, and one remains uncertain of his whereabouts but is sure he won’t be in the House chamber. This reflects the delegation’s ongoing resistance to the administration during a tumultuous period between Maryland and the White House. Ben Mause/The Baltimore Sun.
FORMER UMD OFFICER SEEKS TO REGAIN POLICE AUTHORITY: A former police officer from the University of Maryland, College Park, lost his certification last month after allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student surfaced, and he is now fighting to restore his policing credentials, as court documents indicate. Ben Conarck and Ellie Wolfe/The Baltimore Banner.
