Baltimore Judge Limits ICE Detainees at Fallon Building

Court ruling follows lawsuit challenging overcrowding at downtown detention facility

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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A federal judge in Baltimore has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must limit the number of detainees at the Fallon Building in downtown Baltimore to just 56. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by two detainees challenging ICE's practice of detaining more than 100 people in five holding cells. The court has also ordered ICE to conduct medical screenings of all detainees within 12 hours of arrival and clean the cells once a day.

Why it matters

This ruling addresses concerns over overcrowding and poor conditions at the Fallon Building detention facility, which has faced criticism from immigrant advocates over its treatment of detainees. The decision could set a precedent for other ICE detention centers facing similar lawsuits.

The details

The federal judge's ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by two detainees at the Fallon Building, who challenged ICE's practice of holding more than 100 people in just five holding cells. The court has now ordered ICE to limit the number of detainees at the facility to 56 and implement new protocols for medical screenings and cell cleaning.

  • The ruling was issued on March 7, 2026.

The players

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants.

Fallon Building

A downtown Baltimore facility used by ICE to detain undocumented immigrants.

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What’s next

The ruling is expected to remain in effect until further notice, and ICE will need to comply with the new limits and protocols ordered by the court.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing legal battles over ICE detention practices and the push to improve conditions for immigrants held in custody. The ruling could inspire similar lawsuits challenging overcrowding and poor treatment at other ICE facilities across the country.