1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to publicly rescind support for the ICE detention facility planned at 16220 Wright Road in Williamsport and to hold open public forums for community input on this decision. On February 10, the Washington County Commissioners voted unanimously to support a Department of Homeland Security detention center after DHS purchased an 825,000 square-foot warehouse for approximately $102.4 million. This facility would hold up to 1,500 people, making Washington County a regional detention hub. Over 3,600 residents have signed a petition opposing this facility, and 192 people signed just today, demonstrating sustained community opposition. This decision threatens Washington County's infrastructure and economic future. The 1,500-bed complex will strain local water and sewage systems already approaching capacity. Converting this logistics warehouse eliminates long-term private-sector job growth and economic development opportunities that would better serve our community. Washington County deserves investment that strengthens our economy, not facilities with documented civil rights violations and accountability failures. The process itself has been deeply flawed. Commissioners rushed this decision with limited public access to the meeting and ignored visible organized opposition from constituents. Meanwhile, operational deployment is already underway. Reports confirm 53 government vehicles have been delivered to the Williamsport warehouse, with more en route. Project Salt Box reporting shows ICE is relocating approximately 100 vehicles from Minneapolis operations, including vehicles from Operation Metro Surge, which resulted in thousands of detentions and multiple deaths. Residents are being denied information while federal infrastructure is actively being installed. DHS's outright purchase raises serious concerns about bypassing Maryland's Dignity Not Detention Act. Washington County has a significant and growing Hispanic community, and residents have shared stories of family members facing wrongful detention and racial profiling. This facility does not represent our values or our economic interests. I urge you to rescind support for this facility, demand transparency regarding DHS operational plans, and prioritize economic development strategies that truly strengthen Washington County.