HAGERSTOWN – A proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center planned outside Hagerstown city limits drew sharp criticism this week from a city council member, who said the project has moved forward without transparency or meaningful community engagement.
During mayor and council comments at the Jan. 20 regular session, Councilwoman Caroline Anderson said the facility, though located beyond city boundaries, would have significant impacts on Hagerstown residents, the local economy and public safety.
“The reality is there has been no meaningful communication,” Anderson said. “There’s been no transparency. There’s been no engagement.”
Anderson said county officials and the current administration advanced the proposal behind closed doors, calling the process a failure of democratic accountability. She argued that detention centers represent more than physical infrastructure and can have lasting effects on families, community trust and the city’s values.
“Detention centers are not just buildings,” she said. “They represent policies that tear families apart, criminalize immigrants and create fear rather than safety.”
Anderson said she had remained silent for several weeks but decided to speak publicly after what she described as continued exclusion of residents from the decision-making process. She called on officials supporting the project to defend it openly and engage residents across jurisdictions.
“If our leaders believe this facility is justified, then they should be willing to defend it publicly,” she said.
The comments followed a day of public rallying on the issue and came amid broader conversations at City Hall about public trust, transparency and community involvement in major policy decisions. While the city does not control land-use decisions outside its limits, Anderson said the facility’s consequences would be felt throughout Hagerstown.
“Our neighbors deserve dignity,” she said. “Our future should not be decided without us.”
