The expansion of federal immigration enforcement has officially reached Western Maryland. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed the purchase of a massive 825,000-square-foot warehouse property at 16220 Wright Road in Williamsport. The facility is expected to accommodate up to 1,500 detainees at a time and will serve as a central detention and processing hub.

This acquisition is part of a broader national effort to significantly expand detention capacity. By purchasing the property outright for $102.4 million, the federal government avoids reliance on state or local agreements — effectively sidestepping state-level measures such as Maryland’s “Dignity Not Detention Act,” which seeks to limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Plans for the site include intake and holding areas, processing space, dining facilities, designated visitor sections, and medical service areas. Individuals detained there are expected to remain for several weeks before being transferred to larger, long-term facilities as part of federal deportation operations.

While some Maryland officials have voiced opposition, the Washington County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution on February 10 expressing formal support for ICE and Department of Homeland Security border enforcement initiatives.