Maryland AG Sues to Block ICE Detention Center Construction

Lawsuit alleges federal agencies violated environmental laws in purchasing facility near Hagerstown

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to prevent the construction of a new immigration detention facility in Washington County. The lawsuit claims the agencies violated environmental laws by purchasing a 54-acre commercial property in Williamsport without conducting required environmental reviews or allowing public input.

Why it matters

The proposed 1,500-bed detention center has raised concerns from state lawmakers and residents about its potential impact on the local community, including environmental, public health, and safety issues. The lawsuit aims to halt the Trump administration's plans to rapidly expand immigration detention capacity across the country.

The details

According to the lawsuit, ICE purchased the $102.4 million facility on January 16 without performing environmental assessments or providing opportunities for public feedback as required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The lawsuit argues the agencies violated the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to consider alternatives and provide justification for their decision. Concerns have also been raised about the detention center's impact on air quality, traffic, public health, and the potential for inhumane holding conditions and limited access to medical care.

  • ICE purchased the 54-acre facility in Williamsport on January 16, 2026.
  • Attorney General Brown filed the lawsuit against DHS and ICE on February 23, 2026.

The players

Anthony Brown

The Attorney General of Maryland who filed the lawsuit against DHS and ICE to block the construction of the immigration detention center.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that purchased the facility in Williamsport, Maryland for use as an immigration detention center.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency under DHS that purchased the facility in Williamsport, Maryland for use as an immigration detention center.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“DHS purchased this while keeping the State and the public in the dark, spending more than $100 million in federal taxpayer dollars without performing the required environmental review and without giving Maryland or Marylanders any voice in the process. We will not allow this Administration to treat laws like suggestions and threaten our people or their communities.”

— Anthony Brown, Maryland Attorney General (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant a temporary restraining order to halt construction of the detention center while the lawsuit proceeds.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the growing tensions between state and federal authorities over the expansion of immigration detention facilities, with Maryland challenging the Trump administration's efforts to rapidly increase detention capacity without proper environmental reviews or community input.