Hagerstown ICE facility plans face renewed opposition from Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown over unresolved environmental and public health risks. Brown urged federal officials to suspend the project and consider selling the property, as reported by the Baltimore Chronicle.
The dispute concerns a vacant warehouse at 16220 Wright Road near Williamsport in Washington County. ICE purchased the 54-acre property for $102.4 million in January 2026. Federal authorities have considered converting it into a facility holding up to 1,500 immigration detainees.
Maryland seeks a broader environmental impact statement
Brown submitted formal comments to the Department of Homeland Security on July 1. He argued that ICE’s proposed Environmental Assessment would not provide sufficient scrutiny.
Maryland wants a full Environmental Impact Statement covering water, transportation, infrastructure and public health. The request was supported by leaders from 4 state agencies.
Their concerns include:
- possible pollution affecting nearby streams and the Potomac River;
- insufficient water and sewer infrastructure;
- transportation pressures around the warehouse;
- unavailable studies referenced by ICE;
- limited information for meaningful public participation.
The state argues that missing technical records prevent agencies from assessing the project’s complete environmental footprint.
Court order continues to block detention center conversion
Maryland sued DHS and ICE in February, alleging violations of federal environmental law. A judge later issued a preliminary injunction preventing the warehouse’s conversion while litigation continues.
The court allowed only limited work, including fencing, security equipment and certain building repairs. ICE attorneys said the agency would not immediately begin detention-related retrofitting.
| Key event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ICE purchased the warehouse | January 16, 2026 | Property acquired |
| Maryland filed its lawsuit | February 23, 2026 | Federal case opened |
| Construction contract awarded | March 6, 2026 | Major work later blocked |
| Preliminary injunction issued | April 2026 | Conversion remains paused |
| Brown submitted new objections | July 1, 2026 | Full review requested |
The latest filing places additional pressure on DHS before any final decision. ICE must now address whether its narrower review meets federal requirements.
Why Maryland says the public lacks essential information
Brown said ICE has not released several studies used when developing the proposal. He also questioned whether the purchase could influence the environmental review’s outcome.
The warehouse was designed for commercial operations, not long-term detention. State officials want detailed projections for wastewater, drinking water, medical services and vehicle traffic.
Brown maintains that ICE committed substantial resources before completing the legally required public review. Maryland is asking the agency to pause all conversion plans until those concerns are resolved.
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