Maryland Judge Halts ICE Detention Center Construction Near Hagerstown

Federal court blocks plans for new facility amid environmental concerns.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:51pm

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A federal judge in Maryland has temporarily barred the construction of an ICE detention center in Washington County, siding with the state's attorney general who argued the federal government failed to properly assess the project's environmental impact on nearby waterways.

Why it matters

The proposed ICE detention facility has faced significant local opposition due to concerns over its potential environmental harm to the Potomac River watershed. The judge's order to halt construction underscores the legal battles that can arise when the federal government pursues immigration enforcement projects without fully addressing community and environmental impacts.

The details

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown sued the Trump administration after it purchased a 54-acre warehouse in Williamsport to convert into an immigration detention center. Brown argued the federal government failed to conduct an environmental review of the project's potential impacts on the Potomac River and its tributaries. Judge Brendan Hurson, appointed by President Biden, issued a 14-day temporary order blocking construction while the government prepares an Environmental Impact Statement to address the state's concerns.

  • On March 6, ICE awarded a construction contract to begin renovations on the property.
  • On March 12, the federal judge issued a 14-day temporary order halting construction.

The players

Anthony Brown

The Attorney General of Maryland who sued the Trump administration over the planned ICE detention center.

Brendan Hurson

A federal judge appointed by President Biden who issued the temporary order blocking construction of the ICE detention facility.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that purchased the property and planned to convert it into an immigration detention center.

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What they’re saying

“The warehouse sits adjacent to Semple Run, a stream that feeds into the Conococheague Creek and ultimately the Potomac River – waterways that are home to state-protected and endangered species. Construction activity is likely to cause sediment runoff and pollution to those waters, and the facility's existing sewer and water infrastructure is wholly insufficient to support a detention center of this size.”

— Anthony Brown, Maryland Attorney General

What’s next

The federal government has the option to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to address the state's concerns about the project's environmental impact. After the initial 14-day temporary order, the judge will decide whether to extend the block on construction.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement efforts and local environmental concerns. It underscores the importance of thorough environmental review processes, even for federal projects, to ensure they do not cause undue harm to sensitive ecosystems and protected natural resources.