Protesters rally against planned Maryland immigration detention facility that's now paused

The federal government faces fierce opposition in communities where it plans to transform warehouses into detention centers for immigrants.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:42am

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A warm, cinematic painting of a large warehouse building in an urban setting, with dramatic lighting and shadows creating a sense of political tension and unease.As the federal government's plan to transform warehouses into immigration detention facilities faces growing community resistance, the fate of this nondescript warehouse in Maryland remains uncertain.Hagerstown Today

Protesters are rallying against a planned immigration detention facility in Washington County, Maryland, where the Department of Homeland Security purchased an 825,000-square-foot warehouse as part of a plan to transform warehouses across the U.S. into detention facilities for tens of thousands of immigrants. The county commissioners voiced their 'unwavering support' for ICE, but the plan is now paused amid a court battle, and the new DHS secretary is reviewing the project.

Why it matters

The pushback in Washington County and other communities highlights the fierce opposition the federal government is facing as it tries to expand its immigration detention capacity by repurposing warehouses. The controversy raises questions about the transparency of the process and the government's approach to working with local communities.

The details

The Department of Homeland Security bought the 825,000-square-foot warehouse in Washington County as part of a plan to transform warehouses across the U.S. into detention facilities for tens of thousands of immigrants. The county commissioners approved a proclamation declaring their 'unwavering support' for DHS and ICE, but this was met with protests. ICE has since signed a $113 million contract to renovate the building, but a judge has temporarily halted the work after Maryland's attorney general sued. The new DHS secretary is now reviewing the agency's plans for the facility.

  • The Department of Homeland Security bought the warehouse in Washington County as part of a broader plan.
  • On February 10, 2026, the county commissioners approved a proclamation declaring their support for DHS and ICE.
  • ICE has since signed a $113 million contract to renovate the building, but a judge has temporarily halted the work.

The players

Patrick Dattilio

The founder of an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement group called Hagerstown Rapid Response.

Markwayne Mullin

The current Department of Homeland Security Secretary, who is reviewing the agency's plans for the facility.

Kristi Noem

The former Department of Homeland Security Secretary, under whom the warehouse purchase plan was hatched.

Michelle Gordon

The Washington County administrator, who said the commissioners were declining all interview requests.

Carroll Sager

A Washington County resident who held a sign saying 'Disenfranchised in Washington County' during the protests.

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What they’re saying

“This is a facility built for packages, not people.”

— Patrick Dattilio, Founder of Hagerstown Rapid Response

“We have had no voice in this.”

— Carroll Sager

What’s next

A hearing is scheduled for April 15 regarding the Maryland attorney general's lawsuit to halt the renovation work on the warehouse.

The takeaway

The controversy over the planned immigration detention facility in Washington County highlights the growing opposition to the federal government's efforts to expand its detention capacity, as well as concerns about transparency and community engagement in the process. The pause in the project and the new DHS secretary's review suggest the administration may be reconsidering its approach.