Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Takes Fight to Block ICE’s Detention Warehouse in Washington County to the Maryland Statehouse

ANNAPOLIS, MD-Today, the Office of Congresswoman April McClain Delaney testified before the Maryland House of Delegates to express opposition to ICE's planned detention warehouse near Williamsport, Maryland. The testimony was delivered at the invitation of Maryland Delegate Matt Schindler, who has introduced legislation in the statehouse's Judiciary Committee that complements the Congresswoman's federal bill.

"As the Member of Congress for Maryland's Sixth Congressional District, which encompasses Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) proposed detention warehouse near Williamsport, it has been one of my highest priorities to stop ICE's unlawful uses of force and violations of human rights throughout my district and in Maryland," the Congresswoman said in her written testimony. "I have been fighting this project in close coordination, and on multiple fronts alongside our Governor, Attorney General, and Maryland's Congressional delegation. Last month, I introduced the Keep ICE Out of Washington County, Maryland Act, to stop this project and have joined my colleagues in demanding transparency and accountability from the Department of Homeland Security."

She continued,"I commend all efforts in the Maryland General Assembly to prevent this facility from coming to fruition, and offer my full support for Delegate Schindler's House Bill 630 - Correction Services - Immigration Detention Facilities - Original Design and Construction. This legislation sends a clear message that the terror, lawlessness and indignities we have seen inflicted on communities across the country have no place in Maryland. Further, today's hearing provides one of the few opportunities that Marylanders have to provide public comment on the Administration's plans to bring their failed immigration policies to Western Maryland."

Read her testimony. Also read the Congresswoman's letter to DHS and ICE leadershiplast week, which elevates the concerns voiced to her by Sixth District residents.

###