‘ICE out now’: Proposed ICE facility in Hyattsville sparks protest

Federal and local lawmakers representing Prince George’s County led a march in Hyattsville protesting a proposed ICE facility.

The facility would operate blocks from homes, a church and a social services office.

“ICE out now!” marchers shouted Thursday morning not far from University Park. They were joined by leaders including Rep. Glenn Ivey and Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy.

“The community stands together and it’s making a difference, and they’re winning in Minnesota. We’re gonna win here too, right?” Ivey asked the crowd.

Ivey, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Sen. Chris Van Hollen sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons asking for DHS and ICE to provide specifics on the size of the facility, whether it would house enforcement operations and whether it would include detention holding areas. They also asked about the lease terms and duration, and the total estimated cost to taxpayers.

Braveboy spoke in immigrants’ defense.

“Here in Prince George’s County, we care about our residents without regard to their status in this country. Their status that I care about is that they are a resident of Prince George’s County. That’s the only status that really matters to me as county executive,” she said. “That’s the status that also matters to our police department. Let me be very clear: Our police department does not cooperate with ICE.”

Local and federal lawmakers requested a written response from DHS and ICE no later than Feb. 27.

The Trump administration is creating new ICE holding facilities across the country amid promises to increase immigration enforcement. ICE recently purchased a large industrial warehouse in Hagerstown, with plans to turn it into a holding facility for immigrants.

Maryland lawmakers passed legislation to ban cooperative agreements between local sheriff’s offices and ICE. News4’s Darcy Spencer reports.