The federal government has officially signaled a massive expansion of its deportation infrastructure with the $102.4 million purchase of an 825,000-square-foot warehouse in Williamsport, Maryland.
The deal, finalized on January 22, 2026, converts a massive industrial space near Hagerstown into a high-capacity "processing facility" capable of holding up to 1,500 people at a time.
This acquisition is part of a broader, controversial strategy by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to buy up to 23 mega-warehouses across the country.
The goal is reportedly to double ICE's detention capacity to nearly 150,000 beds, creating a "feeder system" for a nationwide deportation machine.
**Sidestepping the "Dignity Not Detention Act"
The purchase has sparked legal and political outrage in Maryland. By owning the building outright, the federal government is effectively bypassing Maryland’s Dignity Not Detention Act.
- The Loophole: The 2021 state law was designed to prevent local jails and private companies from contracting with ICE. However, under the Supremacy Clause, the federal government can operate on its own land without local zoning approval or state-level "non-cooperation" restrictions.
- The "Feeder" Plan: Leaked documents suggest these centers aren't designed for long-term stays. Instead, they serve as hubs where people rounded up in "roving patrols" are held for a few weeks before being transferred to even larger, permanent 10,000-bed facilities in other states.
Local Support vs. Public Outrage
On February 10, 2026, the Washington County Board of Commissioners held a chaotic meeting where they passed a resolution declaring "full support" for the new ICE facility.
- The Vote: Despite protesters screaming in the hallways and being cleared from the room, commissioners voted unanimously to support the project, citing border security and federal law enforcement cooperation.
- The Opposition: Maryland’s congressional delegation, led by Rep. April McClain Delaney and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, has slammed the "covert acquisition." They argue that an industrial warehouse is not designed for residential confinement and will place an "unconscionable" strain on local water, power, and healthcare infrastructure.
A National Record for Detention
As of February 2026, the number of individuals in ICE detention has hit a staggering record of over 70,000, nearly doubling the figures from a year ago.
Critics call this "Operation Warehouse," a pivot toward a more industrial, high-volume detention model that prioritizes rapid processing over traditional due process.
With legal challenges already being prepared by the ACLU and local residents, this Maryland warehouse has become the front line in the battle over the Trump administration's "America First" immigration agenda.