Maryland Halts Construction of ICE Detention Center Following Legal Challenge

A federal judge in Maryland has issued a temporary restraining order halting construction of a planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Washington County. The decision comes amid legal challenges from Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, who argues the facility is unlawful and raises concerns about conditions at other immigration detention centers in the state.

Legal Battles and Concerns

Attorney General Brown filed a request for an emergency injunction on March 11, 2026, to halt any construction or retrofitting of a warehouse near Williamsport that ICE purchased with the intention of converting it into a detention center capable of housing up to 1,500 people [Maryland Matters]. This action followed a lawsuit filed earlier seeking to block the project, alleging the Trump administration’s decision to pursue the Williamsport facility was unlawful [Maryland Matters].

Simultaneously, Brown initiated a lawsuit to compel ICE to release documents related to conditions at the George H. Fallon Building in Baltimore, another immigrant holding facility. The state’s investigation focuses on allegations of overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate medical care [Maryland Matters]. ICE has reportedly resisted providing these documents, citing reasons such as the requests being burdensome or irrelevant [Maryland Matters].

Judge’s Order and Timeline

The temporary restraining order, issued on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, pauses construction for 14 days [Washington Post], [Reuters]. This pause allows for further legal proceedings and consideration of the state’s arguments against the facility.

Federal Response

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE awarded a construction contract for the facility, prompting the legal action from the Attorney General [Maryland Attorney General].