Rep. Raskin Alleges Overcrowding, Inhumane Conditions at Baltimore ICE Facility

Lawmaker calls for resignation of Homeland Security Secretary after unannounced visit.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, visited an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Baltimore and reported seeing severe overcrowding and 'inhumane' conditions, with detainees being held for days in cramped rooms with limited access to basic amenities. Raskin is now calling for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the initiation of impeachment proceedings.

Why it matters

This visit and Raskin's subsequent allegations raise serious concerns about the treatment of immigration detainees and the oversight of ICE facilities. The conditions described, if accurate, would violate standards for humane detention and could amount to civil rights abuses. Raskin's high-profile criticism also increases political pressure on the Biden administration to address issues within the immigration enforcement system.

The details

According to Raskin, the Baltimore ICE facility was holding detainees in rooms meant for short-term stays, with as many as 55 people crammed into a space he said should only hold 12-15. Detainees reported being held for days without access to showers. Raskin said the conditions he witnessed were 'inhumane' and a violation of detainees' rights.

  • Raskin visited the Baltimore ICE facility on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Rep. Jamie Raskin

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Maryland's 8th congressional district and the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of Homeland Security.

Rep. Jim Jordan

A Republican U.S. Representative from Ohio's 4th congressional district.

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What they’re saying

“I witnessed people suffering. In this facility, originally meant to hold people for no more than 12 hours, ICE is keeping people for days in overcrowded rooms with one toilet and no showers. No one should be forced to endure this brutal treatment for days on end.”

— Rep. Jamie Raskin (mymcmedia.org)

“Her reign of terror must come to an end.”

— Rep. Jamie Raskin (mymcmedia.org)

What’s next

Raskin is calling for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and has said that Rep. Jim Jordan should immediately commence House Judiciary Committee impeachment proceedings to remove her from office.

The takeaway

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants in detention facilities and the need for greater oversight and accountability within the immigration enforcement system. It also reflects the deep partisan divides over immigration policy in the U.S.