ICE Proceeds with Megaprisons in Texas and Maryland Despite Legal and Local Opposition

Department of Homeland Security officials are advancing plans to construct large-scale ICE detention facilities in Texas and Maryland, despite significant legal challenges, local opposition, and a federal watchdog investigation. An internal memo reveals that ICE is exploring work on a Maryland warehouse near Hagerstown, even after a Baltimore judge issued a temporary injunction citing inadequate sanitation for the proposed 1,500-person capacity. DHS awarded a $113 million contract to KVG, a defense contractor lacking detention experience, which could expand to $642 million. Simultaneously, ICE is preparing contracts for warehouses acquired in San Antonio and near El Paso. These purchases have sparked controversy due to prices significantly above market value, with San Antonio property bought for $66 million despite a $37 million valuation. The DHS Office of Inspector General has launched an investigation into the cost-effectiveness of these acquisitions. Critics highlight transparency issues and prior failures at existing facilities like Camp East Montana, which recorded numerous federal code violations shortly after opening. The expansion aligns with former President Donald Trump’s agenda to increase detention capacity.