Lawmaker Reveals Horrific Conditions at ICE Facility in Baltimore

Rep. Jamie Raskin says he witnessed overcrowding, lack of basic amenities during unannounced visit.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, revealed that he witnessed disturbing conditions during a surprise visit to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding facility in Baltimore. Raskin reported that he saw around 60 men packed into a single room with only one toilet and no shower facilities, forced to sleep in cramped conditions with only aluminum foil blankets.

Why it matters

Conditions inside ICE detention centers have been a source of ongoing controversy and debate, with concerns raised about overcrowding, lack of access to basic necessities, and potential human rights violations. Raskin's unannounced visit and firsthand account shed light on the reality faced by immigrants detained at the facility.

The details

During his visit, Raskin said the room set aside for dangerous criminals and violent offenders was empty, indicating the facility was housing immigrants rather than criminals. He criticized the Department of Homeland Security's policy requiring at least seven days' notice before Congressional lawmakers can visit, which a federal judge recently ruled was illegal.

  • On February 13, 2026, Rep. Jamie Raskin visited the ICE field facility in Baltimore.

The players

Rep. Jamie Raskin

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE.

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What they’re saying

“[DHS Secretary] Kristi Noem has a budget of $75 billion she could use to ensure humane conditions, but we saw 60 men packed into a room shoulder-to-shoulder, 24-hours-a-day, with a single toilet in the room and no shower facilities. They sleep like sardines with aluminum foil blankets.”

— Rep. Jamie Raskin, U.S. Representative (X)

“Whether it's for three days or seven days, nobody would want a member of their family warehoused there. The room set aside for dangerous criminals and violent offenders was empty. We're demanding immediate answers and action.”

— Rep. Jamie Raskin, U.S. Representative (X)

What’s next

Lawmakers are expected to demand further investigations and reforms to address the conditions Raskin witnessed at the ICE facility.

The takeaway

Rep. Raskin's unannounced visit and firsthand account of the disturbing conditions at the Baltimore ICE facility have reignited concerns about the treatment of immigrants in detention centers, raising questions about the Department of Homeland Security's priorities and the need for greater oversight and accountability.