Maryland County Commissioners Declare "Full Support" for ICE Amid Detention Center Controversy

Protests erupt after commissioners unanimously pass resolution backing federal immigration enforcement actions

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Outrage erupted in Washington County, Maryland after the county commissioners unanimously passed a resolution expressing "full support" for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the federal government's immigration enforcement actions. The resolution came amid plans to open a new ICE detention center near Hagerstown, which has sparked protests from local residents who oppose the facility.

Why it matters

The commissioners' decision to back ICE has further inflamed tensions in the community over immigration enforcement, with protesters arguing the move goes against the wishes of many local residents. The planned ICE detention center has also drawn criticism from top Maryland Democrats who are working to try and stop its opening.

The details

During the commissioners' meeting, loud objections from the crowd forced the officials to call for order and take a recess, with the county also cutting the live feed of the meeting at one point. While some counter-protesters voiced support for the commissioners' stance, many longtime Washington County residents condemned the decision as being "on the wrong side of history." The Trump administration had purchased a $100 million warehouse in nearby Williamsport to convert into the new ICE detention facility, despite opposition from Maryland's governor and members of Congress.

  • The commissioners unanimously passed the resolution supporting ICE on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • The Trump administration purchased the $100 million warehouse in Williamsport to convert into an ICE detention center.

The players

Washington County Commissioners

The county commissioners in Washington County, Maryland who unanimously passed a resolution expressing "full support" for ICE and the federal government's immigration enforcement actions.

Sandy

A longtime Washington County resident who was protesting outside the commissioners' meeting, saying the commissioners "will not listen" to the community's opposition to the planned ICE detention center.

Heidi Welsh

A longtime Washington County resident who condemned the commissioners' decision, saying "They're on the wrong side of history."

Shaun Porter

A counter-protester who voiced support for the commissioners' decision, saying they "finally listened to the citizens here in Washington County and stood united to support law-enforcement and ICE."

Rep. April McClain Delaney

A U.S. Representative who introduced new legislation to try and stop the planned ICE detention center in Williamsport.

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What they’re saying

“We've tried to tell our elected officials this is not what we want for our county, for our families, for our neighbors, for our children, and they will not listen.”

— Sandy

“It's shameful. They're on the wrong side of history.”

— Heidi Welsh, longtime Washington County resident

“I think the commissioners for once listened to the actual voters in Washington County rather than the protesters that were bussed in from Frederick County, so I'm glad that they finally listened to the citizens here in Washington County and stood united to support law-enforcement and ICE.”

— Shaun Porter

What’s next

Maryland's governor, Wes Moore, has directed state agencies to assess actions to protect the community's infrastructure, public safety, health, and economic stability in response to the planned ICE detention center. The state's attorney general is also reviewing the purchase of the Williamsport facility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

The takeaway

The Washington County commissioners' decision to declare "full support" for ICE has further inflamed the debate over immigration enforcement in the community, with protesters arguing the move goes against the wishes of many local residents. The planned ICE detention center has become a flashpoint, drawing criticism from state and federal officials who are working to try and stop its opening.