Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Ivey Press for Answers on Proposed ICE Facility in Hyattsville

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) pressed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for answers on a newly proposed ICE lease in Hyattsville, located in Maryland's Fourth Congressional District.

"According to publicly available contracting documents and investigative reporting, ICE has been pursuing more than 150 leases and office expansions at locations across the country, including a proposed lease at 6505 Belcrest Road (Metro 1) in Hyattsville, located in Maryland's Fourth Congressional District. Given the significant community concern surrounding ICE operations and the potential local impact of this expansion mere blocks from a church, a sensitive location and in the same building as a local Social Services Office of Family Investment, serving young children and families-we are requesting detailed information regarding this proposed facility," the lawmakers wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons.

The lawmakers went on to request detailed information about the size and scope of the proposed facility, including total square footage, anticipated personnel levels, hiring timelines, and estimated taxpayer costs. They also requested clarity regarding whether the site will be administrative in nature or include enforcement operations, secure interview rooms, surveillance infrastructure, evidence storage, or holding areas, including the capacity for standing, seated, or overnight detention.

The letter further seeks information about the lease terms and duration, total estimated taxpayer cost, and whether lower-cost proposals were considered. Lawmakers also pressed DHS and ICE on whether state and local officials were consulted prior to lease negotiations and what protocols are in place to ensure operations comply with constitutional protections while avoiding unnecessary disruption to surrounding residential and commercial areas.

"Our offices have received numerous inquiries from constituents who are deeply concerned about transparency, public safety, and the potential impact of increased enforcement activity in our community. Any expansion of ICE's footprint in Prince George's County warrants clear and timely communication with affected communities and their elected representatives," the lawmakers concluded.

The members have requested a full written response from DHS and ICE no later than February 27, 2026.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

We write regarding recent reporting that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing to lease new office space in Hyattsville, Maryland, as part of a broader nationwide expansion of ICE field operations.

According to publicly available contracting documents and investigative reporting, ICE has been pursuing more than 150 leases and office expansions at locations across the country, including a proposed lease at 6505 Belcrest Road (Metro 1) in Hyattsville, located in Maryland's Fourth Congressional District.2 Given the significant community concern surrounding ICE operations and the potential local impact of this expansion mere blocks from a church, a sensitive location and in the same building as a local Social Services Office of Family Investment, serving young children and families-we are requesting detailed information regarding this proposed facility. Specifically, please provide the following:

1. Size and Scope of the Space

• The total square footage of the Hyattsville office space.
• The number of ICE personnel expected to be assigned to the facility.
• The number of personnel that have yet to be hired by ICE for this facility, the estimated hire dates of these personnel, and the estimated yearly cost to taxpayers for these personnel.

2. Nature and Configuration of the Facility

• Whether the space will be used solely for administrative purposes or will include enforcement operations.
• Whether the facility will contain secure interview rooms, evidence storage, surveillance infrastructure, or other specialized enforcement features.
• Whether the facility will contain holding areas.

i. If so, the standing, seated, and lodging (overnight or 12+ hour stay) capacity of those areas.

3. Purpose and Operational Function

• CE's stated mission for this location.
• The geographic jurisdiction the office will serve.
• Any anticipated increase in enforcement activity in Prince George's County or surrounding jurisdictions associated with this lease.

4. Lease Terms and Duration

• The length of the lease, including any renewal options.
• The total estimated cost to taxpayers over the life of the lease.
• Whether lower cost proposals were received, and if so, why those proposals were rejected.

5. Community Impact and Coordination

• Whether DHS or ICE consulted with state and/or local officials prior to entering into lease negotiations.
• What protocols are in place to ensure operations at this site comply with constitutional protections and avoid unnecessary disruption to the surrounding residential and commercial community.

Our offices have received numerous inquiries from constituents who are deeply concerned about transparency, public safety, and the potential impact of increased enforcement activity in our community. Any expansion of ICE's footprint in Prince George's County warrants clear and timely communication with affected communities and their elected representatives.

We request a written response detailing this information no later than Friday, February 27, 2026.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.