Chaos Erupts at Maryland County Board Meeting Over ICE Detention Center

Officials cut TV broadcast as protesters whistle and chant after board endorses cooperation with DHS

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A suburban Maryland board meeting was taken off the air after whistling and protests erupted moments after officials approved a resolution endorsing cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the purchase of a warehouse in Williamsport that sparked Democratic outrage. The property soon became the site of protests, with some local lawmakers and residents opposing the plan to establish an ICE detention center there.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and political divisions around immigration enforcement and the establishment of ICE detention facilities, even in more politically moderate areas. The approval of the Williamsport facility by the Washington County Board has drawn strong reactions from local Democrats and anti-ICE activists, underscoring the contentious nature of these issues.

The details

The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a resolution endorsing cooperation with DHS, including the purchase of a $102 million property in Williamsport, Maryland that will be used as an ICE detention center. Moments after the vote, which appeared to pass with most board members voting "aye", the meeting descended into chaos as audience members began loudly whistling, clapping, and shouting "nay!" and "no". Board President John Barr attempted to restore order, but ultimately had to order the room cleared and the TV broadcast cut off.

  • On February 13, 2026, the Washington County Board of Supervisors held a meeting and voted to approve a resolution endorsing cooperation with DHS.
  • Prior to the meeting, DHS had completed the purchase of the $102 million property in Williamsport, Maryland that will be used as an ICE detention center.

The players

John Barr

The President of the Washington County Board of Supervisors who presided over the meeting and called for the room to be cleared after the chaos erupted.

David Trone

A billionaire and former U.S. House candidate who posted a video protesting the ICE detention center, declaring that ICE was "executing people" and did not belong in Maryland.

April McClain-Delaney

A U.S. Representative who called the plan for the ICE detention center "sweeping and dangerous" and forged in "darkness".

Richard Hartman

A protester who told a local news station that the ICE facilities are "inhumane" and that he doesn't want them in the area.

Neil Parrott

A Maryland state delegate who has formed an exploratory committee for a potential run for office and has signaled support for immigration enforcement in prior comments.

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What they’re saying

“The safety and security of our community is of utmost importance and DHS [and] ICE play a crucial role in safeguarding our nation's borders and is responsible for enforcing immigration laws, protecting the country from potential threats, and maintaining the rule of law for public safety.”

— John Barr, Washington County Board President

“These ICE facilities; they're inhumane; I don't want them here.”

— Richard Hartman, Protester (NBC affiliate)

“[The plan] is yet another example of the Trump administration acting without transparency, accountability, or regard for human life.”

— April McClain-Delaney, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The judge overseeing the legal challenges to the Williamsport ICE detention center is expected to rule on a motion to block the facility's opening in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The heated debate over the Williamsport ICE detention center reflects the deep political divisions and strong emotions surrounding immigration enforcement, even in more moderate areas. The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and community engagement on these sensitive issues to find balanced solutions that address public safety concerns while respecting human rights.