Story perspectives

Judge Halts Maryland Warehouse Conversion to Detention Center

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal judge extended a preliminary injunction halting the Maryland warehouse's conversion into an immigration detention center.
The Department of Homeland Security purchased the facility for $102.4 million to house up to 1,500 detainees.
Maryland filed a lawsuit claiming the federal government failed to conduct necessary environmental reviews.
The judge allowed only limited security renovations because of environmental harm and inadequate sewage capacity, with protests having erupted in Hagerstown.

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Story summary

A federal judge extended a preliminary injunction halting the Maryland warehouse's conversion into an immigration detention center.
The Department of Homeland Security purchased the facility for $102.4 million to house up to 1,500 detainees.
Maryland filed a lawsuit claiming the federal government failed to conduct necessary environmental reviews.
The judge allowed only limited security renovations because of environmental harm and inadequate sewage capacity, with protests having erupted in Hagerstown.