Maryland Lawmakers to Conduct Surprise ICE Facility Inspection in Baltimore

Senators and Representatives plan unannounced visit to address concerns over conditions and alleged Legionella outbreak.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A group of Maryland lawmakers, including Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, along with Representatives Kweisi Mfume, Glenn Ivey, and Johnny Olszewski, are planning to make an unannounced visit to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Baltimore on Monday. The lawmakers aim to conduct oversight of the facility's conditions and press for answers on several issues, including allegations of a Legionella outbreak and previous claims of overcrowding and unsafe conditions for detainees.

Why it matters

This visit comes amid ongoing concerns from Maryland leaders about the treatment of detainees and the safety of the facility. The lawmakers have previously raised issues about prolonged detainment, overcrowding, and inhumane conditions at the Baltimore ICE office, and they have not received satisfactory responses from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.

The details

The lawmakers plan to hold a news conference after the visit on Monday morning. ICE has denied allegations of inhumane conditions, stating that the agency remains committed to enforcing immigration laws fairly, safely, and humanely. However, the lawmakers have cited disturbing reports and social media videos that appear to show overcrowded holding rooms and other concerning conditions at the facility.

  • The unannounced visit is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • In November 2025, the presence of Legionella bacteria was allegedly discovered in the water system of the George H. Fallon Federal Building, which houses the ICE facility.

The players

Chris Van Hollen

A U.S. Senator representing Maryland.

Angela Alsobrooks

A U.S. Senator representing Maryland.

Kweisi Mfume

A U.S. Representative representing Maryland's 7th congressional district.

Glenn Ivey

A U.S. Representative representing Maryland's 4th congressional district.

Johnny Olszewski

A U.S. Representative representing Maryland's 6th congressional district.

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What they’re saying

“The presence of these bacteria, and the lack of clear direction from GSA, poses a serious health and safety threat for all users of the Fallon Building.”

— Maryland Lawmakers (Letter to U.S. General Services Administration)

“ICE remains committed to always upholding the safety and well-being of all detainees in custody.”

— ICE Spokesperson (ICE Statement)

What’s next

The lawmakers plan to hold a news conference after their unannounced visit to the ICE facility on Monday morning to discuss their findings and concerns.

The takeaway

This visit highlights the ongoing tensions between Maryland lawmakers and federal immigration authorities over the treatment of detainees and the conditions at the Baltimore ICE facility. The lawmakers' unannounced inspection aims to shed light on the facility's operations and push for greater transparency and accountability.