HAGERSTOWN – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has purchased a large warehouse at 16220 Wright Road near Williamsport for $102.4 million, according to land records reported by multiple media outlets.
The sale, with the deed reportedly signed Jan. 22, involves the previous owner, FRND-Hopewell LLC, which had acquired the more than 825,000-square-foot property for between $104 million and $105 million. The acquisition is widely believed to be for a new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility, potentially capable of holding up to 1,500 detainees.
U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) said of the plan, “Last week, I joined hundreds in Hagerstown who demanded ICE stay out of Washington County and end their illegal and abusive tactics. In blatant disregard for the will of this community, Trump’s ICE has spent over $100 million for a massive warehouse prison to hold up to 1,500 detainees. This administration is spitting in the face of communities from Minneapolis to Maryland and wasting our tax dollars. We won’t stop fighting back.”
U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney (D), whose district includes Washington County, described the acquisition as “covert” in a Jan. 27 statement, confirming the address via county circuit court records and saying her office is seeking answers from DHS.
She called the lack of transparency and community input “unacceptable,” noting she is in contact with the governor’s office, the state congressional delegation and local leaders to demand answers.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland called the purchase part of a “reckless and unconscionable” plan to more than double ICE’s detention capacity nationwide.
In a Jan. 28 statement, Washington County officials said they received a Jan. 14 letter from DHS indicating the department was analyzing the potential purchase of the site, also known as 10900 Hopewell Road, for an “ICE Baltimore Processing Facility.”
The letter detailed proposed elements, including construction of holding and processing spaces, office space, public-facing visitor areas and amenities such as cafeterias, bathrooms and healthcare spaces. Site improvements could include upgrades to parking, fencing, lighting, landscaping, drainage, recreation areas, cameras, tent installation and guard shacks.
DHS determined that the project would have “No Historic Properties Affected” under federal law requiring notification to local governments of historic impacts. The law provides no mechanism for the county to overrule that finding.
County officials noted that federal supremacy generally exempts the government from local zoning regulations that conflict with federal mandates. Federal entities historically have not sought county zoning approval for projects, including this one. While the county maintains that land-use decisions are best handled locally, it acknowledged that it cannot legally restrict federal proceedings once property is federally owned.
As of the county’s Jan. 28 statement, DHS had not notified officials of a completed purchase. In response to LocalNews1, county spokeswoman Danielle Weaver reiterated: “Beyond the earlier statement, Washington County has not received formal confirmation from DHS regarding a purchase, nor has the county received any additional updates since the Jan. 14 notification.”
Weaver had no additional comment on discussions or coordination related to public safety, emergency services, traffic or community concerns, nor on any planned resources or support for nearby residents or the Williamsport community.
Radio Free Hub City reported that the transaction is confirmed via Maryland Land Records. The outlet noted the property’s current infrastructure has limited plumbing, with only four toilets, four lavatories, a mop sink, a drinking fountain, a sink and an electric water heater.
Significant water and sewer upgrades would likely be needed for detention use, potentially requiring negotiations with the City of Hagerstown or Washington County utilities, according to reports.
Federal ownership typically exempts the site from local building permits and inspections, though federal law requires adherence to national safety standards and codes, with possible consultation on local zoning.
DHS and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment from any media outlet.
