Howard County Residents Protest Proposed ICE Facility

Community members voice concerns over lack of transparency and potential impact on local area

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Howard County residents and leaders gathered for a public hearing to discuss emergency legislation in response to the potential building of an ICE detention facility in the county. County Executive Calvin Ball and U.S. Rep. Sarah Elfreth expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and oversight regarding the retrofitting of private office buildings for detention use. Residents also shared their perspectives, with one stating the facility would be "a real affront" to the community and another worrying her neighbors would be "treated poorly." Additional hearings and a vote are scheduled.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE facility has sparked strong opposition from the Howard County community, who are concerned about the lack of public input, potential impact on local neighborhoods, and broader issues around immigration enforcement and detention policies.

The details

County leaders suspect federal officials plan to open and operate an ICE detention facility at a nearly 29,000-square-foot privately owned office building on Meadowridge Road. Two emergency bills have been proposed - one to prohibit the permitting of privately-owned buildings operating as detention centers, and another to establish guidance related to immigration enforcement action at county facilities and property.

  • The public hearing was held on February 5, 2026.
  • An additional public hearing and a vote are scheduled for February 12, 2026.

The players

Calvin Ball

Howard County Executive who expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and oversight regarding the proposed ICE facility.

Sarah Elfreth

U.S. Representative for Maryland's 4th Congressional District, who emphasized the community's stance against the proposed facility.

Mary Sulerud

Howard County resident who voiced concerns that the facility would be "a real affront" to the community.

Tina Horn

Howard County resident who shared worries that her neighbors would be "treated poorly" because of the proposed facility.

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What they’re saying

“In Howard County, I know we will continue to show our solidarity, to show up and to speak up.”

— Sarah Elfreth, U.S. Representative

“The retrofitting of private office buildings for detention use without sufficient transparency, public input or clear oversight is deeply troubling.”

— Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive

“I believe this facility would be a real affront to the kind of ministry they try to do and their very livelihood.”

— Mary Sulerud, Howard County Resident

“I'm worried that my neighbors are going to be treated poorly because of some paperwork, and that's very dangerous.”

— Tina Horn, Howard County Resident

What’s next

An additional public hearing and a vote on the proposed emergency legislation are scheduled for February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The proposed ICE facility in Howard County has sparked strong community opposition, with residents and leaders voicing concerns about the lack of transparency, potential impact on local neighborhoods, and broader issues around immigration enforcement. The upcoming hearings and vote will be closely watched as the community continues to fight against the facility.