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Baltimore County Council Bans Private Immigration Detention Centers

2/19/2026

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Baltimore Council Acts

Baltimore County Council enacted an emergency bill to prevent private immigration detention facilities.
The Baltimore County Council voted unanimously after discovering a federal lease in Cockeysville.
Baltimore County Councilmember Julian Jones urged proactive measures to protect community safety and rights.
Congressman Johnny Olszewski supported the legislation, emphasizing upholding constitutional principles.
The Department of Homeland Security is expanding its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) workforce by 12,000 officers amid rising threats.

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Democrats Blame Trump

Twenty-two Democratic senators attribute rising ICE custody deaths to U.S. President Donald Trump's mass deportation policies.
They sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem outlining inadequate medical care and conditions in detention facilities.
They note that at least 32 detainees died in 2025, up from prior years.
This has contributed to a partial government shutdown as Senate Democrats seek changes at the agency.

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Baltimore Council Acts

Baltimore County Council enacted an emergency bill to prevent private immigration detention facilities.
The Baltimore County Council voted unanimously after discovering a federal lease in Cockeysville.
Baltimore County Councilmember Julian Jones urged proactive measures to protect community safety and rights.
Congressman Johnny Olszewski supported the legislation, emphasizing upholding constitutional principles.
The Department of Homeland Security is expanding its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) workforce by 12,000 officers amid rising threats.

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