HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Amid ongoing developments surrounding the proposed immigration detention facility near Williamsport, protesters gathered along Washington Street in Hagerstown on Tuesday morning, June 9, outside the Washington County Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Organizers with Indivisible and Hagerstown Rapid Response have been coordinating protests and calls to action for months in response to the proposed Department of Homeland Security facility and Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.
The “Sound of Silence” protest followed several recent developments locally and at other DHS facilities, including Delaney Hall in New Jersey. Demonstrators also cited the removal of public comment from Board of County Commissioners meetings more than a year ago, as well as recent updates regarding the proposed immigration detention center outside Hagerstown’s city limits.
Recent filings by the Department of Homeland Security indicate preparations for a new environmental assessment that proposes several expansions to the 825,000-square-foot facility. Proposed additions include a 750,000-gallon water tank, utility upgrades and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
