Hagerstown, Md. (DG) – A proposed immigration detention facility in Washington County is now at the center of a legal fight, even as Republican leaders continue to support the project.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to stop construction and operation of the ICE detention center, arguing the federal government did not properly follow environmental and public review requirements. On Thursday, a federal judge extended a temporary halt to further construction until April 16th as the case moves forward.
The facility, planned for a warehouse site near Williamsport, is expected to house up to 1,500 detainees and represents a major expansion of detention capacity in the region.
While Democrats have raised concerns about environmental impacts and legal compliance, Republicans have expressed support for the facility, saying it strengthens immigration enforcement and supports federal efforts to detain and process individuals. Local Republican officials have also pointed to the project as a necessary use of the site and a boost to federal operations in the area.
By: Dianah Gibson
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