Residents, Lawmakers Push Back on Plans for ICE Facility in Hyattsville

Maryland officials raise concerns about potential detention center near homes and businesses

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Leaders in Prince George's County, Maryland are pushing back against a plan by the Department of Homeland Security to lease a building in Hyattsville that could potentially be used as an ICE detention facility. Lawmakers and community members have held rallies and written letters demanding more information about the proposed facility's purpose and potential impact on the local area.

Why it matters

This issue highlights ongoing tensions between local communities and federal immigration enforcement efforts. Prince George's County has a large immigrant population, and local leaders are concerned about the effects an ICE detention center could have on families and businesses in the area.

The details

The proposed facility is located just off Belcrest Road, close to the Mall at Prince George's and other businesses and residential areas. Maryland lawmakers, including Rep. Glenn Ivey and Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, have written to the Department of Homeland Security demanding more information about how the building would be used. They are particularly concerned it could become a detention center, which they say would be unacceptable given the facility's proximity to a church, social services office, and family homes.

  • On February 19, 2026, news of the proposed ICE facility lease in Hyattsville was reported.
  • On February 23, 2026, an "ICE Out" rally was held by community members in Hyattsville to protest the plans.
  • By February 27, 2026, Maryland lawmakers have requested a full written response from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE about the proposed lease.

The players

Rep. Glenn Ivey

A Maryland lawmaker who has raised concerns about the potential ICE facility and its potential use as a detention center.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen

A Maryland senator who joined in writing a letter to the Department of Homeland Security about the proposed ICE facility lease.

Sen. Angela Alsobrooks

A Maryland senator who also signed the letter to the Department of Homeland Security regarding the proposed ICE facility.

Aisha Braveboy

The Prince George's County Executive who signed executive orders on Thursday to protect immigrants in the community.

Liliana

A 10-year-old fourth-grade student in Prince George's County whose father was recently caught in an ICE raid, leaving her and her siblings devastated.

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What they’re saying

“We're very concerned it might be used as a detention center. We want to get the info about how big it's going to be, so if necessary, we can get ahead of that.”

— Rep. Glenn Ivey (fox5dc.com)

“We're concerned about ICE. It's been out of control, as we saw in Minnesota. We certainly don't want that behavior here.”

— Rep. Glenn Ivey (fox5dc.com)

“Since my dad was taken, our home felt empty. My mom cried a lot. My older brother can't focus. My baby brother is still crying — he doesn't understand why his dad is gone.”

— Liliana, fourth-grade student (fox5dc.com)

“Today, we are taking action, decisive action to protect our diversity and those residents who chose to call America and Prince George's County home.”

— Aisha Braveboy, Prince George's County Executive (fox5dc.com)

What’s next

Maryland lawmakers have requested a full written response from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE about the proposed lease by February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the ongoing tensions between local communities and federal immigration enforcement efforts, as well as the impact that ICE actions can have on immigrant families. Prince George's County leaders are taking a stand to protect their diverse population and prevent the establishment of an ICE detention facility in their community.