Howard County Executive revokes permit for potential ICE detention center in Maryland

Howard County has revoked a building permit for a private detention center in Elkridge, Maryland, which would be used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to County Executive Calvin Ball.

"The retrofitting of private office buildings for detention use, without transparency, without public input, without clear oversight, is deeply troubling," Ball said at a news conference Monday.

A spokesperson for ICE said the agency does not have plans to purchase a facility or open a detention center in Howard County. 

Renovating a private building 

According to Ball, a third-party company from Virginia applied and received a permit to renovate 28,614 square feet inside a building on Meadowridge Road. 

The building permit, issued in August 2025, stated that the "scope of work includes improvement of tenant spaces, supported areas, detention facility, detainee processing, and secured waiting areas," according to Ball. 

The office space is owned by Genesis GSA Strategic One. McKeever Services, a third-party, applied for the renovation permit last year. Ball said Monday that the work appeared to be almost complete. The most recent inspection was conducted on Dec. 29, 2025. 

County Executive reacts 

According to Ball, the county government did not have knowledge of specific lease agreements or contracts between the building owner and any federal agencies when emergency legislation was announced by the county council Friday. The legislation could prevent privately owned buildings from operating as detention centers.

After reviewing reports and advertisements, Ball said the county became aware that ICE would be using the building.

When asked why the county granted the renovation permit in August without knowing the intended use, Ball said he doesn't usually delve into the details on these types of permits.

"We're taking action now," Ball said.

He also said government services can generally operate in all zoning districts.

Councilwoman Liz Walsh said she believes the permitting for this facility could date back more than a year.

"I think it dates back even to a Biden administration. I'm guessing that's what the issue was. And so thankful to whoever you know finally realized what was going on and how severe the consequences were," Walsh said.

Walsh also introduced a partner bill, which would require the county executive to publish guidance on how county agencies interact with ICE.

The proposed facility was not put up for public comment, nor had previous county oversight. Ball said that because this is an immigration detention facility, it is required to go through a more comprehensive review process.

While the current permit is revoked, Ball said the company could reapply, but that has not happened yet.

Neighbors speak out during hearing 

The emergency legislation comes after ICE purchased a warehouse in Washington County, raising concerns from some state lawmakers. 

"They will be very well-structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards," a spokesperson for ICE said in a statement. "Every day, DHS is conducting law enforcement activities across the country to keep Americans safe. It should not come as news that ICE will be making arrests in states across the U.S. and is actively working to expand detention space."

Hundreds gathered before the meeting on Monday night for a rally against ICE.

"Me and my partner are going to be moving soon and finding out that something so heinous was going to be in our backyard. It just kind of seemed like something that we wanted to speak up about," Turner Queen said.

The council chambers and an overflow room were full of neighbors who oppose ICE.

"I was absolutely disgusted. You know, we're a state known for our liberal point of views, and taking care of people and putting people first, and a detention center is exactly the opposite of that," Samantha Lester of Arbutus added.

A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. If needed, public comment will continue on Thursday before the council holds an emergency vote on the legislation. 

Councilman Opel Jones is confident it will pass.

"Since there are four co-sponsors on the bill, it is about 99.999% likely to pass," Jones said.