Full Breakdown
Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin Highlights Overcrowding at Baltimore ICE Facility
2/13/2026, 7:25:55 AM
Conditions at the George H. Fallon Federal Building
Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin recently visited the George H. Fallon Federal Building in downtown Baltimore, where he observed overcrowded conditions in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding facility. Raskin reported that the facility, designed for short-term detainment, currently houses 134 adults, with many detainees crammed into holding rooms meant for brief stays. He noted that over 55 individuals were packed into some rooms for extended periods, stating, "You wouldn't believe how many people were packed in there."
During his visit, Raskin described the facility as unsuitable for its current use, emphasizing that it is primarily an office building. He reported that detainees were sleeping on floors without access to showers, and only one toilet was available in the holding rooms. Raskin expressed concern for the detainees' well-being, stating, "I would tell the family members that their family members are in an uncomfortable situation."
Previous Accounts of Overcrowding
Congresswoman April McClain Delaney also visited the facility earlier this month and characterized the conditions as "heartbreaking" and "horrendous." She described a room with approximately 50 people, where detainees were forced to sleep on thin mats with foil blankets on concrete floors. Delaney highlighted the lack of privacy and the absence of basic amenities, noting that detainees were not allowed to leave the holding area even for bathroom use or showers.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the conditions observed, Raskin and Delaney have called for improvements in ICE facilities across the country. Raskin noted that while detainees receive three meals a day, many expressed hunger during his visit. He remarked, "It was hard to see. It's very crowded in there." Delaney's earlier comments reinforced the urgent need for reform, as she pointed out that the facility is only intended for holding individuals for 12 hours but is currently used for much longer periods.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the current immigration detention practices argue that the conditions at the Baltimore ICE facility reflect broader systemic issues within the U.S. immigration system. Advocates for reform emphasize the need for humane treatment of detainees and improved living conditions, highlighting that the current setup is inadequate for the number of individuals being held.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While both Raskin and Delaney provided similar accounts of overcrowding and inadequate conditions, there is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the average duration of detention for individuals at the facility. Additionally, the specific number of detainees experiencing hunger or other health issues remains unclear, as anecdotal evidence varies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You wouldn't believe how many people were packed in there,” — Jamie Raskin, U.S. Congressman
- “This whole detention center is really only meant to hold people for 12 hours and is being used to hold people for 24, 48, 72 hours or longer, depending on if they've asked for habeas corpus or if they have medical conditions or the transport planes are full,” — April McClain Delaney, U.S. Congresswoman
- “They're not allowed to leave that ever, the entire time, even to use the bathroom or get a shower,” — April McClain Delaney, U.S. Congresswoman
