Howard County Moves to Ban Private ICE Detention Centers

County executive announces emergency legislation to stop permitting of privately-owned immigrant detention facilities.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced plans to submit emergency legislation aimed at stopping the permitting of privately-owned buildings operating as ICE detention centers. The announcement comes after concerns were raised about the conditions of a Baltimore-based ICE detainee facility, with Ball citing possible oversight issues when private entities own the holding centers for immigrants waiting for processing or deportation.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is in response to growing concerns over the lack of oversight and potential for abuse in privately-operated immigrant detention facilities. As the federal government has ramped up immigration enforcement actions, there have been increasing reports of poor conditions and even loss of life at these privately-run centers.

The details

Ball's proposed legislation will be available for viewing on Monday via the County Council website. The county is currently inspecting a privately-owned office building in Elkridge that is undergoing renovation for use as a detention facility. The office, located at 6522 Meadowridge Road, is owned by Genesis GSA Strategic One, LLC, and the renovation work is being done by Fairfax, VA-based construction company McKeever Services.

  • On August 5, 2025, McKeever Services was permitted to renovate 28,614 square feet of the Elkridge office building for use as a detention facility.
  • On December 29, 2025, the most recent inspection of the Elkridge facility renovation project passed.
  • On Monday, February 2nd, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., the Howard County Council will discuss the emergency law to ban privately-owned ICE detention centers.

The players

Calvin Ball

The Howard County Executive who announced plans to submit emergency legislation to ban privately-owned ICE detention centers in the county.

Genesis GSA Strategic One, LLC

The company that owns the privately-owned office building in Elkridge, Maryland that is undergoing renovation to be used as an ICE detention facility.

McKeever Services

A construction and engineering company based in Fairfax, Virginia that was permitted to renovate the Elkridge office building for use as an ICE detention facility.

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What they’re saying

“The creation of privately-owned detention facilities anywhere in our county and state raises serious concerns about health, welfare, and oversight that must be addressed. As we continue to see the devastating consequences of federal enforcement actions that have led to loss of life and unrest, we must stand united against any actions that cause more harm, fear, and division within our community.”

— Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Howard County Council will discuss Ball's proposed emergency legislation to ban privately-owned ICE detention centers during a legislative session on Monday, February 2nd, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation in Howard County reflects growing concerns over the lack of oversight and potential for abuse in privately-operated immigrant detention facilities. As the federal government has increased immigration enforcement, there have been mounting calls for greater accountability and oversight of these detention centers, especially those run by private companies.