HAGERSTOWN– Hagerstown recently received confirmation of the Department of Homeland Security’s warehouse purchase in Williamsport for immigration detainment. The purchase of upwards of $100 million is highly controversial and has sparked outrage among many people within Washington County.
Dozens in opposition to a facility gathered not only this week, but several times since the purchase of this facility has been announced for use by DHS’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for housing up to 1,500 immigrants.
Activists and protesters could be found at the Washington County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday morning, Feb. 10, as the commissioners announced full support of the DHS action in the county. Protesters eventually made their way inside the building during the meeting, with signs and chants denouncing the establishment of the detention center.
Despite counter-protesters temporarily increasing tensions, the protest remained peaceful. Previous protests for this cause have already occurred over the last couple of months, one even drawing the attention of U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-6th district), and U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), who came downtown to speak on Jan. 20.
Demonstrations like the ones pictured are organized by Washington County Indivisible, a local political action group. To follow along, readers may follow Indivisible’s Facebook page, or Mobilize.us.
