A coalition of civil rights and social justice organizations is planning a rally in downtown Baltimore on Friday, January 30, calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the closure of its local office at 31 Hopkins Plaza.
The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. outside the George Fallon Federal Building, which houses the Baltimore-area ICE office. Participating groups include Indivisible Baltimore, the Free State Coalition, the Greater Baltimore Democratic Socialists of America, and other advocacy organizations united in opposition to what they describe as unlawful detentions and ongoing human rights violations connected to ICE operations in Maryland.
Organizers say the rally was fueled by growing public outrage following the circulation of a video that allegedly shows an overcrowded ICE holding area at the Hopkins Plaza facility. The footage appears to show multiple detainees lying on the floor in cramped conditions. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has attributed the situation to weather-related delays in detainee transfers. However, local advocates argue that similar conditions and allegations of inhumane treatment have been reported for years, dating back to the early months of the Trump administration.
In a statement shared on its website, the Free State Coalition said the rally represents a collective stand against what it calls “the cruelty of ICE,” urging community members to gather and voice their opposition to federal immigration enforcement practices.
The Baltimore protest also comes amid increased scrutiny of DHS activity across Maryland. State and local officials are seeking answers regarding the department’s plans for a recently purchased warehouse in Hagerstown, amid concerns it could be repurposed as an immigration detention facility. At the same time, committees in the Maryland Senate have advanced legislation that would limit cooperation with ICE and restrict the use of face coverings by law enforcement officers during operations.
Those planning to attend Friday’s rally, or future demonstrations, are encouraged to be aware of their rights related to free speech, peaceful assembly, and recording public events. With temperatures expected to drop to near-record lows, organizers also advise attendees to dress appropriately for cold weather conditions.
