Hagerstown, Maryland – Residents of Washington County are voicing strong opposition to a planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center, sparking protests and a legal challenge from the state’s Attorney General. The controversy centers around the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent purchase of a large warehouse near Hagerstown, a move officials say is intended to expand immigration enforcement capacity, but which critics fear will lead to human rights abuses and strain local resources. The situation highlights a growing tension between federal immigration policy and local concerns about community impact.
The proposed facility, envisioned to house up to 1,500 detainees, has ignited a firestorm of debate, with residents questioning the lack of transparency surrounding the purchase and raising concerns about the facility’s potential impact on the surrounding community. The speed with which the deal was finalized – DHS purchased the property in January for over $100 million – has fueled accusations of a lack of public input and accountability. This development occurs as Maryland lawmakers are actively considering legislation to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, creating a direct conflict between state and federal approaches to immigration enforcement.
Protests Erupt as Residents Demand Answers
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Washington County Commissioners approved a resolution declaring full support for ICE, DHS, and local law enforcement, a move that further inflamed tensions with community members. Protests erupted outside a Board of County Commissioners meeting, with demonstrators expressing frustration over the perceived lack of consideration for their concerns. “We had no say,” one protester told local media. “It was just kind of announced, and at that point after purchase it already happened, and there’s a lot of concern and confusion and questions as to who might have known or had their hands in the deal.” Another protester stated, “I don’t want my neighbors to get locked up… It’s inhumane, and I think it would be a blot on this county, to have that kind of facility here.”
The protests reflect a broader sentiment within the community, with residents expressing fears about the potential for increased deportations and the impact on families. Demonstrators are calling on county officials to hold DHS accountable and demand greater transparency in the decision-making process. “I think we need to be holding our officials accountable,” one protester asserted. “They function for us. Our county commissioners work for us.” The lack of an agenda item addressing the detention center at the commissioners’ meeting further fueled the protesters’ frustration, who vowed to continue applying pressure until their demands are met.
Legal Challenge Filed by Maryland Attorney General
Adding another layer to the controversy, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown filed a lawsuit on Monday, February 23, 2026, against DHS and ICE, seeking to halt the construction of the detention facility. The lawsuit alleges that the federal agencies failed to conduct a required environmental review and did not allow for public comment before purchasing the 54-acre property. According to the filing, DHS and ICE are attempting to implement a “nationwide detention agenda” without adhering to federal regulations.
Attorney General Brown emphasized that Maryland was excluded from the planning process and is seeking a court order to halt construction and require a comprehensive environmental review with full public participation. “We’re asking the court to halt construction and operation of this facility,” Brown stated. “We’re asking the court to require a proper environmental review with full public input, and we’re asking the court to declare that what the administration did here was unlawful.” The lawsuit specifically challenges the purchase of the warehouse, noting its current limited infrastructure – only four toilets, two water fountains, and a small sewer line – which is inadequate for a facility intended to house a large population of detainees and staff.
DHS Defends Purchase, Cites Expanding Detention Needs
DHS has defended the purchase, stating that the facility is necessary to address the growing demands for detention space as ICE carries out increased deportation efforts. Before the lawsuit was filed, DHS released a statement asserting that expanding detention capacity is not newsworthy. The agency maintains that federal entities are generally not required to comply with local zoning regulations when federal mandates apply, a point echoed by the Washington County Commissioners in a statement released earlier in February. The Commissioners also passed a resolution on February 10th supporting DHS, ICE, and local law enforcement.
However, this justification has done little to quell the concerns of local residents and legal experts, who argue that the lack of transparency and disregard for environmental regulations are unacceptable. The warehouse, purchased for $102 million in cash on January 16, 2026, is currently configured with 825,620 square feet of space, raising questions about the feasibility and suitability of converting it into a 1,500-bed detention center. Project Salt Box, a Baltimore-based volunteer group tracking ICE activities, first disclosed the sale through public record searches and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
Concerns Over Environmental Impact and Infrastructure
The lawsuit filed by Attorney General Brown highlights significant environmental concerns associated with the proposed detention center. The facility is located near a waterway that feeds into the Potomac River and provides habitat for state-protected species. The conversion of the warehouse is expected to have a detrimental impact on these natural resources, and the lawsuit argues that a thorough environmental review is essential to mitigate potential harm. The limited existing infrastructure – particularly the inadequate sewer line – also raises concerns about the facility’s ability to handle the waste generated by a large population.
The situation in Washington County reflects a broader national debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local communities in implementing federal policies. The Attorney General’s lawsuit represents a significant challenge to DHS’s plans and could set a precedent for future detention center projects. The outcome of the legal battle will likely have far-reaching implications for immigration policy in Maryland and beyond.
The next court date in the case is currently scheduled for March 15, 2026, where arguments will be heard regarding the Attorney General’s request for a preliminary injunction to halt construction. Updates on the case will be available on the Maryland Attorney General’s website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this important issue in the comments section below.