Maryland Democrats Decry 'Deeply Disturbing' ICE Conditions in Baltimore

Letter to DHS and ICE raises concerns over treatment of detainees at Baltimore field office

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Maryland Democratic lawmakers have written to the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, decrying what they describe as "deeply disturbing" conditions at the Baltimore ICE Field Office. The letter, addressed to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, outlines a number of concerns about the treatment of detainees at the facility.

Why it matters

The allegations of poor conditions at the Baltimore ICE facility come amid ongoing scrutiny of immigration detention centers across the country, with advocates and lawmakers pushing for reforms to address issues like overcrowding, lack of medical care, and allegations of abuse. The Maryland Democrats' letter adds to the pressure on federal immigration authorities to improve standards and oversight at their detention sites.

The details

The Maryland lawmakers, including Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, as well as Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and Kweisi Mfume, cited multiple reports of substandard conditions at the Baltimore ICE Field Office. These included allegations of inadequate medical care, unsanitary living spaces, and a lack of access to legal counsel for detainees.

  • The letter was sent to DHS and ICE on February 10, 2026.

The players

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Todd Lyons

The current Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Chris Van Hollen

A Democratic U.S. Senator representing Maryland.

Ben Cardin

A Democratic U.S. Senator representing Maryland.

Dutch Ruppersberger

A Democratic U.S. Congressman representing Maryland's 2nd district.

Kweisi Mfume

A Democratic U.S. Congressman representing Maryland's 7th district.

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What they’re saying

“The conditions described in these reports are deeply disturbing and raise serious concerns about the treatment of detainees at the Baltimore ICE Field Office.”

— Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator (Letter to DHS and ICE)

What’s next

The Maryland lawmakers are calling on DHS and ICE to investigate the allegations and take immediate action to address any issues found at the Baltimore facility.

The takeaway

The concerns raised about the Baltimore ICE Field Office add to the ongoing national debate over the treatment of immigrants in detention centers, with lawmakers and advocates pushing for greater oversight and reforms to improve conditions and protect detainees' rights.