Rep. McClain Delaney Lauds Major Legal Ruling to Halt ICE’s Detention Warehouse in Washington County

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. April McClain Delaney released the following statement:

"Today, thanks to the extraordinary collective efforts of Team Maryland, construction and renovation of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention warehouse in Washington County, Maryland, has been halted until the State's lawsuit is complete.

"This milestone comes just days after reports that ICE officials are reconsidering the scope of the proposed 1,500-bed facility-plans that were thrust upon our Sixth District community under a shroud of secrecy, and without any meaningful opportunities for public comment.

"My constituents shared legitimate concerns with my office regarding the human rights, public health, community safety, local infrastructure, and economic and environmental impacts such a facility would bring. I made it my mission to ensure their voices were heard in my comment letter to the Department of Homeland Security and in my Keep ICE Out of Washington County, Maryland Act which would have cut federal funds for this facility. I share my constituents' concerns-having seen with my own eyes the terror that ICE agents have inflicted on communities across the country, including the horrendous detention conditions I witnessed at ICE's Baltimore field office.

"This effort reflects a historic grassroots movement led by residents, community and business leaders, nonprofit and faith organizations, and advocates-from Washington County and across the whole Sixth District, around the state, and nationwide. Marylanders stood up, spoke out, and refused to be ignored. I was proud to stand with them alongside Governor Wes Moore, Maryland's Democratic Delegation in Congress, and elected officials across the state who opposed this facility.

"While today's ruling is a significant step forward, this fight is not over. This Administration has shown no meaningful commitment to good-faith public engagement on this issue, and we cannot assume this threat is gone. I applaud Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown's lawsuit and support his continued efforts to hold the Trump Administration accountable. In Maryland, we leave no one behind, and we will remain vigilant and continue to advocate for our communities so that this facility never opens its doors."

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland's 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland's 6th District.