Baltimore County Moves to Ban Private Detention Centers

Emergency bill aims to prevent future ICE detention facilities in the county

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Baltimore County is introducing an emergency bill to prohibit the establishment of private detention centers, including any potential future ICE detention facilities, in the county. The move comes after the county learned that the U.S. General Services Administration had leased office space in Cockeysville, though the county is unsure of the exact scope of the work being done there.

Why it matters

The presence of ICE has created fear and uncertainty for immigrant families in Baltimore County, and the county believes every resident deserves to live, work, worship, and attend school without fear of their family being torn apart. This bill is a preventative measure to stop a private detention facility from being opened in the future.

The details

The emergency bill is being introduced during Tuesday's county council meeting. While the county does not believe the Cockeysville location will be a detention center, the bill is a precautionary measure to prevent any private detention facilities from opening in the future. A similar bill was recently passed in neighboring Howard County.

  • The emergency bill is being introduced during Tuesday's county council meeting.
  • Howard County recently passed a similar bill banning private detention centers.

The players

Kathy Klausmeier

Baltimore County Executive, who stated that every resident deserves to live without fear of their family being torn apart.

Calvin Ball

Howard County Executive, who revoked a building permit for a planned detention center in Elkridge.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has been expanding its workforce and presence, which has created fear and uncertainty for immigrant families in the region.

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What they’re saying

“Across the country, the presence of ICE has created fear and uncertainty for immigrant families. In Baltimore County, we believe every resident deserves to live, work, worship, and attend school without fear that their family will be torn apart or their daily life disrupted without warning.”

— Kathy Klausmeier, Baltimore County Executive (cbsnews.com)

“The creation of privately-owned detention facilities anywhere in our county and state raises serious concerns about health, welfare, and oversight that must be addressed.”

— Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Baltimore County Council will vote on the emergency bill during Tuesday's meeting.

The takeaway

This bill represents Baltimore County's proactive stance against the expansion of ICE's presence and private detention facilities, which have sown fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities. It follows a similar move by neighboring Howard County, underscoring the regional effort to protect residents' rights and wellbeing.