HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Horns blared and protesters screamed 'Stop ICE!' outside a meeting on the western edge of Maryland where county officials were discussing mundane issues like the solid waste budget.
Protests have been ongoing ever since the Department of Homeland Security purchased an 825,000-square-foot building in Washington County as part of a plan to convert warehouses across the U.S. into detention facilities for immigrants.
Patrick Dattilio, the founder of the anti-ICE group Hagerstown Rapid Response, stood outside the county commission meeting stating, 'This is a facility built for packages, not people.'
The federal government is facing fierce opposition in communities like Washington County, which is seen as the most welcoming area as officials express support for ICE amidst jeers from residents.
Despite this, the Department of Homeland Security's plans for the building are currently paused due to a court battle. Questions linger about whether Secretary Markwayne Mullin will proceed with the facilities project or seek alternative paths under President Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda.
During the meeting, county commissioners reiterated their unwavering support for ICE despite significant community dissent. The public backlash included loud protests, prompting the commission president to clear the room.
Residents, including those who have a long history in the area, expressed their fears of the negative implications of converting the warehouse into an ICE processing center. Carroll Sager, a local resident, remarked, 'We have had no voice in this,' highlighting the community's frustration with the lack of communication from officials regarding the project.
Nationwide opposition to similar DHS plans is growing, with other communities filing lawsuits and threatening actions to limit local resources for these proposed facilities. The future of the Washington County facility remains uncertain, with many residents anxious about the potential impact on their community.
