Judge Extends Injunction Halting Maryland Warehouse Conversion to Immigrant Detention Center
A federal judge has extended a preliminary injunction pausing the conversion of a massive warehouse in Maryland into an immigrant detention facility. The Department of Homeland Security purchased the 825,000-square-foot building near Hagerstown for $102.4 million in January, intending to house up to 1,500 detainees. However, the state of Maryland sued, alleging the federal government failed to conduct required environmental reviews and ignored public comment procedures, particularly concerning the site's location in a flood plain. Despite local Washington County officials expressing support for the project, the lawsuit highlighted procedural violations. The court ruling permits only limited essential work, such as fencing and HVAC installation, while the case proceeds. This decision occurs amidst a broader review by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin of plans to utilize converted industrial buildings for immigration detention nationwide. The federal government, which awarded a $113 million renovation contract shortly after purchase, strongly disagrees with the judicial ruling. The case underscores significant legal and community opposition to the rapid expansion of detention infrastructure using existing industrial properties.
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Judge Extends Injunction Halting Maryland Warehouse Conversion to Immigrant Detention Center
A federal judge has extended a preliminary injunction pausing the conversion of a massive warehouse in Maryland into an immigrant detention facility. The Department of Homeland Security purchased the 825,000-square-foot building near Hagerstown for $102.4 million in January, intending to house up to 1,500 detainees. However, the state of Maryland sued, alleging the federal government failed to conduct required environmental reviews and ignored public comment procedures, particularly concerning the site's location in a flood plain. Despite local Washington County officials expressing support for the project, the lawsuit highlighted procedural violations. The court ruling permits only limited essential work, such as fencing and HVAC installation, while the case proceeds. This decision occurs amidst a broader review by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin of plans to utilize converted industrial buildings for immigration detention nationwide. The federal government, which awarded a $113 million renovation contract shortly after purchase, strongly disagrees with the judicial ruling. The case underscores significant legal and community opposition to the rapid expansion of detention infrastructure using existing industrial properties.
AP News