WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks joined by U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Kweisi Mfume, Glenn Ivey, Johnny Olszewski, Sarah Elfreth (all D-Md.) in pressing the Trump Administration to cancel plans for the ICE Detention Warehouse in Washington County due, in part, to the potential environmental impacts and infrastructure deficiencies of the proposed facility. With these concerns in mind and the lack of community input, the members urged the Department of Homeland Security to cancel its plans.

"As we shared in our March 5 comment letter, the process that the Administration has used to purchase, plan, and develop this site has wrongfully excluded the voices of our constituents and the communities that would be impacted by its operation," the lawmakers wrote.

The letter highlights significant concerns about the proposed facility's infrastructure, noting that the warehouse DHS purchased for $102.4 million was originally equipped with only four commercial toilets and would require extensive upgrades to support a detention center housing up to 1,500 people.

"DHS cannot credibly claim that such sweeping infrastructure deficiencies can be addressed through a superficial assessment while ignoring the significant public safety, infrastructure, environmental, and community impacts that would accompany a detention facility of this scale," the lawmakers wrote. "We call on DHS to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement, informed by meaningful public participation, before any further development proceeds."

The Maryland Delegation also criticized DHS for continuing to pursue the project despite reports that ICE plans to dispose of seven of the eleven detention warehouses it previously purchased after spending nearly $1 billion on the properties.

"DHS continues to fail to justify this project, meaningfully engage the public, and answer Congress's oversight inquiries," the lawmakers concluded. "We urge you to terminate this proposal and stand ready to pursue every available avenue to ensure accountability if you do not."

The Members' letter was also submitted as part of DHS' public scoping request seeking public feedback on potential environmental issues or concerns.

Read the letter