Maryland sues DHS, Noem over ICE detention facility
The Hill
by Ashleigh FieldsFebruary 23, 2026
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Maryland has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, challenging the establishment of a new ICE detention facility in the state. The suit centers on the Trump administration's acquisition of an 825,000-square-foot warehouse near Williamsport in Washington County. Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown claims the purchase was made "secretly," and he accuses the federal government of bypassing local regulations and community input. The attorney general argues that the facility violates state laws and constitutional rights by enabling forced detentions without due process.
The case highlights growing tensions between states and the federal government over ICE operations. Maryland has long been a battleground for immigration enforcement, with ICE frequently targeting individuals in the region. Local communities have repeatedly expressed concerns
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/23/2026