HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Horns blared and protesters screamed “Stop ICE!” outside a local county meeting that was supposed to be about everyday issues, like the solid waste budget. But this was no ordinary meeting; it was a battleground for a heated debate over immigration and the federal government’s plans.
The uproar in Hagerstown has been ongoing since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) purchased a massive 825,000-square-foot building in Washington County. This facility is part of a controversial plan to convert warehouses across the U.S. into detention centers for immigrants.
Patrick Dattilio, who leads a group called Hagerstown Rapid Response aimed at opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stood outside the meeting voicing his concerns. He stated, “This is a facility built for packages, not people.” His words reflect the sentiment of many locals who feel that turning a warehouse into a detention center is inappropriate.
DHS has encountered strong resistance in various communities where it has invested over $1 billion to purchase 11 warehouses. While Washington County officials have shown some support for ICE, their stance has been met with protests and public outcry. The processing center in Hagerstown was expected to be one of the first to open as part of a project initiated by former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
However, the plans for the Hagerstown facility are currently on hold, tied up in legal battles similar to those affecting other warehouse projects nationwide. As Secretary Markwayne Mullin reviews these plans, uncertainty looms over whether the project will proceed or shift directions in alignment with President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda.
During a February 10 meeting, county commissioners expressed their “unwavering support” for ICE, which was met with jeers and boos from the public. The commissioners claimed they had limited options since the federal government had already purchased the building, yet they still sent a proclamation to Noem, asking for substantial funding for local infrastructure improvements.
Despite ICE’s investment of $113 million to renovate the building for 500 to 1,500 detainees, work has been temporarily halted following a lawsuit by Maryland’s attorney general. A court hearing is set for April 15, where the future of the facility will be debated.
Local residents, including many who have historical ties to the area, are upset both by the moral implications of the facility and by the lack of transparency surrounding its purchase. Carroll Sager, a local resident, voiced her frustration, stating, “We have had no voice in this,” as she held a sign reading: “Disenfranchised in Washington County.”
Communities across the U.S. have also pushed back against DHS’s plans. Lawsuits have been filed in New Jersey and Michigan, claiming the government did not adequately communicate with local residents. In other areas, officials are threatening to limit essential services like water to deter ICE’s operations.
Concerns have also arisen regarding the cost of these warehouse purchases. In some cases, DHS paid significantly more than the assessed values of the properties, raising questions about financial oversight.
During his confirmation, Secretary Mullin was questioned about the warehouse conversions. He promised to be a good partner with communities but did not commit to continuing the previous administration’s policies. Days after taking office, he paused new warehouse purchases while reviewing existing contracts.
In a recent court filing, the federal government indicated that ICE is reconsidering its plans for the Hagerstown facility. For now, the community is in limbo, awaiting clarity on the fate of the warehouse and its potential role as a processing center for immigrants.
Originally envisioned as an economic boost for the region, many residents, like Nica Sutch, are now contemplating relocating as they watch the situation unfold. “I love the area,” she said, reflecting the deep emotional ties many have to their hometown. “This has been my home for 28 years.”
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Hollingsworth reported from Kansas City, Missouri.
