Maryland Delegation Members Seek Action, Answers from Trump Administration on Reported Legionella Outbreak at Baltimore Federal Building

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume, Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) pressed the Trump Administration for answers around a reported outbreak of Legionella bacteria at the Fallon Federal Building in Baltimore City, where the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Baltimore regional office is located. This facility has repeatedly held people in unsafe, overcrowded conditions and for detention periods that far exceed those that temporary holding rooms are equipped to accommodate. In light of those compounding concerns, the lawmakers urged GSA to take immediate action to remediate the outbreak and sought answers to a series of questions regarding measures it has taken thus far to mitigate the risk of exposure to building occupants.

"We write with concern regarding recent reports of a Legionella bacteria outbreak at the George H. Fallon Federal Building, located at 31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21201. The Fallon Building houses several federal agencies, including offices in the U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Justice, and Homeland Security. We are particularly concerned by this development in light of reports of overcrowding at the Baltimore Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office's holding rooms, as well as the presence of a child care facility, in the building," the lawmakers began.

"We have learned that in November of 2025, GSA conducted a baseline test that confirmed the presence of the bacteria and proceeded to implement hyperchlorination to treat the issue. However, we understand that the bacteria are still present in the building's water system and the tenants of the Fallon Building have received varying levels of communication regarding the status of the outbreak, and some may remain entirely unaware. The presence of these bacteria, and the lack of clear direction from GSA, poses a serious health and safety threat for all users of the Fallon Building," they continued, going on to ask a series of questions about the timeline of the outbreak's discovery and how the agency responded - including seeking answers on corrective actions taken and communication with building occupants regarding those actions.

"We must ensure that our federal employees, along with other tenants of and visitors to the building, are being afforded clear communication and a safe working environment. We look forward to your response and ensuring the health and wellbeing of all current tenants of the Fallon Building," they concluded.

Text of the letter can be viewed here and below.

Dear Administrator Forst,

We write with concern regarding recent reports of a Legionella bacteria outbreak at the George H. Fallon Federal Building, located at 31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21201. The Fallon Building houses several federal agencies, including offices in the U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Justice, and Homeland Security. We are particularly concerned by this development in light of reports of overcrowding at the Baltimore Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office's holding rooms, as well as the presence of a child care facility, in the building.

We have learned that in November of 2025, GSA conducted a baseline test that confirmed the presence of the bacteria and proceeded to implement hyperchlorination to treat the issue. However, we understand that the bacteria are still present in the building's water system and the tenants of the Fallon Building have received varying levels of communication regarding the status of the outbreak, and some may remain entirely unaware. The presence of these bacteria, and the lack of clear direction from GSA, poses a serious health and safety threat for all users of the Fallon Building.

We therefore ask you to undertake immediate remediation measures and to respond to the following questions no later than March 20, 2026:

1. When did GSA first discover the bacteria at the Fallon Building? Please share all testing dates to date since the outbreak was discovered as well as their results.
2. When did hyperchlorination treatment commence after discovery?
3. According to a 2023 Memorandum from the Office of Inspector General, the Public Buildings Service's "current approach to Legionella testing is not comprehensive or consistent." Has the Public Buildings Service addressed the concerns outlined in the report? How frequently is GSA required to test for Legionella bacteria?
4. According to GSA guidelines, GSA or the delegated federal agency is required to notify tenants and post relevant signage, and communicate with the water supplier if necessary. Has GSA satisfied these requirements?
5. 1. If tenants have been notified, when, and with what information?
   2. If the issue is ongoing, are tenants provided with regular updates? If so, what do the updates entail?
   3. Does GSA still notify tenants of buildings in states without notification requirements? If so, with what information?
6. According to the aforementioned GSA guidelines, GSA or the delegated federal agency is required to begin corrective actions and notify tenants of follow-up testing. Has GSA satisfied these requirements?

We must ensure that our federal employees, along with other tenants of and visitors to the building, are being afforded clear communication and a safe working environment. We look forward to your response and ensuring the health and wellbeing of all current tenants of the Fallon Building.

Sincerely,