Federal Judge Halts Construction of ICE Detention Center in Maryland

A federal judge in Maryland has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) halting the construction of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Williamsport, Maryland. The order follows an emergency motion filed by Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, who cited significant environmental concerns associated with the facility. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had planned to convert a 54-acre warehouse into a detention center capable of housing up to 1,500 detainees facing deportation.

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The lawsuit initiated by Brown in February alleges that DHS and ICE failed to conduct the necessary environmental reviews mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) before proceeding with the project. The state argues that the construction could lead to pollution and sediment runoff into nearby Semple Run, which feeds into the Conococheague Creek and ultimately the Potomac River. Additionally, the existing water and sewer infrastructure is deemed insufficient to support a facility of this size, raising concerns about potential sewage backups and public health hazards.

Maryland AG Seeks Emergency Court Order To Stop ICE Detention Center Near Williamsport

In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson noted that the state demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of its case, stating that the defendants likely did not take a "hard look" at the environmental consequences of their plans. The judge emphasized the potential for "irreparable harm" if construction continued without proper assessments.

Judge orders 14-day halt to work at Washington County ICE facility

Attorney General Brown described the court's decision as a "critical victory," asserting that it prevents irreversible harm to Maryland's waterways and communities. He stated, “We will not let DHS and ICE rush through the proper legal process in their haste to ramp up deportations.” Conversely, a DHS spokesperson criticized the ruling, claiming it was not genuinely about environmental issues but rather an attempt to obstruct the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Judge orders pause on ICE detention center construction in MD

The DHS has awarded a $113 million contract to KVG LLC for the renovation of the facility, which was expected to create approximately 1,125 jobs and generate about $28.8 million in tax revenue. DHS maintains that the detention center will meet regular detention standards and undergo community impact studies to mitigate any negative effects on local utilities and infrastructure.

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Local residents and officials have expressed opposition to the expansion of ICE's detention capabilities, particularly given the facility's proximity to a town with a population of just over 2,000 residents. Critics argue that the rapid expansion of detention centers under the Trump administration has diminished public support and raised ethical concerns regarding the treatment of detainees.

Judge orders pause on ICE detention center construction in MD

The TRO pauses construction for up to 14 days while the court considers the broader legal challenge posed by Maryland's lawsuit. The ruling allows time for a preliminary injunction hearing, which could further influence the future of the proposed detention center.

Maryland ICE Detention Center Construction Halted by Judge’s Order

• “We will not let DHS and ICE rush through the proper legal process in their haste to ramp up deportations.” — Anthony Brown, Maryland Attorney General

Judge orders pause on ICE detention center construction in MD

• “Let’s be honest about this. This isn’t about the environment. It’s about trying to stop President Trump from making America safe again,” — DHS Spokesperson

Judge orders pause on ICE detention center construction in MD

• “Hurson granted Maryland’s request for a restraining order, saying that the state has shown that DHS and ICE had “likely failed to comply with their obligations under [the National Environmental Policy Act].” — U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson

Judge orders pause on ICE detention center construction in MD

• “Once construction begins, the damage to Maryland's waterways, protected species, and communities cannot be undone.” — Anthony Brown, Maryland Attorney General

Maryland AG Seeks Emergency Court Order To Stop ICE Detention Center Near Williamsport

This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities regarding immigration policies and environmental protections.

Maryland ICE Detention Center Construction Halted by Judge’s Order