Federal Occupation: Moore Slams DHS Plan for Immigration Holding Center in Western Maryland

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced Friday that the state is preparing to closely examine the federal government’s recent purchase of an industrial property in Williamsport, raising concerns about how the site may be used.

The property, acquired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is reportedly being considered as a holding location for undocumented immigrants. Moore said any such plan would face legal and regulatory review by Maryland officials. He specifically directed the Anthony Brown to evaluate whether the acquisition and its intended use comply with state and federal law.

Moore characterized the federal presence as disruptive to the surrounding area, noting that the facility sits in a commercially zoned corridor between Hagerstown and the Potomac River, near the junction of Interstates 70 and 81 — an area he says is vital to regional manufacturing, logistics, and distribution jobs.

The governor expressed concern about the humanitarian implications of a detention facility operating there, saying he opposes any setup that could compromise basic living conditions or human dignity. He added that state agencies have been instructed to review potential impacts on local infrastructure, including permitting, wastewater and sewer capacity, hazardous waste management, and emergency medical services.

While pushing back against the site’s proposed use, Moore emphasized Maryland’s long-standing partnership with the federal government. He cited the state’s role as host to major national institutions and installations such as NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, National Security Agency, National Institutes of Health, Fort George G. Meade, and Joint Base Andrews. He said the state remains open to collaboration with federal leaders on shared priorities such as public safety, infrastructure, and economic growth, but called for more transparency and cooperation moving forward.

Moore also criticized the federal response to recent flooding in Western Maryland, claiming that Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance was denied to communities hit hard by rising waters along Georges Creek and the Potomac.

Not everyone agrees with the governor’s stance. Former Republican Delegate Neil Parrott argued that strained relations between state Democrats and the Trump administration may have hindered Maryland’s ability to secure federal disaster funds.

Meanwhile, businessman and congressional candidate David Trone visited the Williamsport property and voiced strong opposition to the proposed detention center, calling the concept dangerous and unacceptable.

Across the river in West Virginia, JB McCuskey dismissed the backlash entirely, criticizing Democratic leaders for what he described as years of inaction on immigration enforcement.

Debate over the site continues, with state and federal officials divided over both its purpose and its potential impact on the surrounding community.