After discovering that federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was transforming an office building into a detention center in an unincorporated area about 15 miles southwest of Baltimore, leaders in Howard County took immediate action. However, another ICE facility in Washington County is expected to proceed despite local pushback, according to officials.
Residents and leaders from both counties are questioning whether local and state laws—both existing and proposed—can override federal actions regarding the establishment of ICE detention centers in this predominantly blue state.
These centers are part of a broader initiative by ICE to significantly expand its detention facilities, potentially converting up to two dozen properties nationwide, as reported by Bloomberg.
One of these locations is a $102 million site near Hagerstown in western Maryland, according to a court filing. This purchase only covers the site acquisition, which is currently vacant. ICE will still need to fund renovations to add essential facilities like toilets, showers, beds, and dining areas before it can operate as a detention center, as noted by Bloomberg.
Howard County’s Rejection
Howard County recently revoked a building permit for ICE in Elkridge, which sought to convert 28,614 square feet of office space at 6522 Meadowridge Road. The permit was obtained by McKeever Services, a permitting company based in Fairfax, Virginia, to renovate a property owned by Genesis GSA Strategic One, LLC.
“Throughout our nation, including right here in Howard County, we have witnessed enforcement actions by ICE that raise significant concerns about safety, responsibility, and the role of local government,” said County Executive Calvin Ball at a recent press conference. “It is important to clarify that the Howard County government, including our police and sheriff’s office, does not enforce federal immigration law and will not assist in immigration enforcement activities. This stance reflects the values we uphold as a community.”
The building permit was initially granted on August 5, 2025, with the following project description:
“General services administration/scope of work includes improvement of tenant spaces support areas, detention facility, detainee processing, and secured waiting area.”
However, this initiative contradicts local legislation. In 2020, the Howard County Council enacted the Liberty Act, which restricts the use of county resources for immigration enforcement unless mandated by federal or state law, an international treaty, or an existing intergovernmental service agreement.
The revocation of the building permit coincides with Ball’s introduction of emergency legislation, Council Bill 16-2026, aimed at preventing the permitting of privately owned buildings as detention centers within the county.
The County Council discussed this emergency legislation to block an ICE facility during its recent legislative session, and the public is invited to provide feedback at the council’s public hearing on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the George Howard Building in Ellicott City.
Washington County Project
ICE has acquired a warehouse in Washington County, raising concerns among some state lawmakers.
Hundreds of residents opposed to the ICE center gathered in Hagerstown to express their discontent, as reported by WJZ.
“My partner and I are planning to move soon, and learning that something so troubling was set to be in our neighborhood made us want to voice our concerns,” said Turner Queen in an interview.
Washington County officials stated, “While we believe that decisions regarding land use are best made at the local level, the legal reality is that when property is federally owned, we cannot legally restrict the federal government’s actions.”
“I was absolutely appalled. We are known for our progressive values and commitment to helping people, and a detention center is the complete opposite of that,” remarked Samantha Lester of Arbutus regarding the proposed Hagerstown facility.
The Trump administration has indicated that to achieve its goal of deporting 1 million individuals annually, it requires over 100,000 detention beds, as reported by Bloomberg News. Currently, more than 73,000 people are in ICE custody, a record high. The new facilities could provide an additional 76,500 beds.
Congresswoman April McClain Delaney stated on January 27 that the acquisition of the warehouse in Washington County’s historic Williamsport was “conducted without transparency, community input, or accountability, which is unacceptable. Planning a detention facility behind closed doors is not governance; it is intimidation. Such actions by the Department of Homeland Security exemplify a lawless agency intent on harassing, assaulting, and endangering our neighbors.”
