A federal court has extended its block on converting a large Maryland warehouse into an immigrant detention facility, dealing another setback to federal plans for housing thousands of detainees in repurposed industrial buildings across the nation.
Federal immigration authorities bought the 825,000-square-foot facility close to Hagerstown in Washington County during January, paying $102.4 million for the property. The Maryland location was among 11 warehouses acquired nationally and was slated to be among the first operational sites, designed to hold between 500 and 1,500 detainees.
However, widespread resistance across the country has prompted Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to reassess the entire warehouse initiative. While Washington County officials passed a resolution expressing their “unwavering support” for DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, Maryland state officials filed legal action.
Maryland’s legal challenge contends that federal authorities failed to complete mandatory environmental assessments. The lawsuit points out that the structure sits within a flood zone and that officials didn’t solicit public input on their proposal until over a month following the property acquisition.
Multiple organizations voiced objections before the March 5 deadline for public comments ended. According to the legal filing, ICE awarded a $113 million renovation contract the following day, backed by substantial congressional funding, with completion targeted for May 4.
A federal judge initially issued a brief temporary restraining order that stopped renovation activities. Following Wednesday’s court session, the judge approved a more extensive preliminary injunction permitting only minimal work such as fencing installation and HVAC systems while the litigation proceeds.
DHS released a statement expressing strong opposition to the court’s decision.
“Let’s be honest about what is happening,” the statement said. “This isn’t about the environment. It’s about trying to stop President Trump from making America safe.”
In previous court documents, federal officials indicated that “ICE is reconsidering the plans and scope of the warehouse.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore praised the preliminary injunction as a “major and welcome step forward.” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown stated it demonstrates that “no one, not even the federal government, is above the law.”
Maryland state delegate Matthew Schindler, who has criticized the warehouse proposal, told The Associated Press that immigration officials’ strategy was “outpacing accountability.”
He added: “We don’t want to see our community compromised because corners were cut.”
This Maryland case represents one of three active federal lawsuits, with officials in other locations attempting to prevent warehouse conversions by claiming insufficient water and sewage systems.
“Washington County has become basically ground zero for all these warehouse fights,” said Kyle McCarthy, of Hagerstown Rapid Response, which is fighting the project. “We’ve helped show a blueprint for how other communities can fight and stop these from happening. We’ve been throwing sand in the gears at every possible moment.”
