Howard County Rallies Quickly to Block Elkridge Detention Center
The central Maryland county is using red tape to stop ICE in its tracks.
Monday night, more than three hundred members of the Howard County community were at the George Howard building to show their support for a bill that would impede the development of an ICE detention center in Elkridge.
Potential Detention Center
The building, located at 6522 Meadowridge Rd., is a one-story, 30,450 sqft. office space. It’s located near Sherwood Crossing Dog Park, Deep Run Elementary School, and Cute Stars Daycare. In addition to its suburban location, it’s around 30 minutes from BWI, making it convenient for potential deportations.
The government solicitation to lease the space dates back to 2022 and notes that the property “cannot be near residential, religious, educational or retail facilities.” The building is near both educational and retail facilities.
In May 2023, Genesis GSA Strategic One LLC, a Michigan-based company, was awarded the contract for more than $18 million. The lease runs for 15 years, with a firm term of 13 years.
County Response
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said Friday that they were previously unaware that the building, which had already gone through several inspections and had a building permit granted for its retrofitting, was intended as an ICE detention center.
Upon learning about the federal government’s plans, Howard County made two moves. First, the Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits revoked the building permit. Maryland and county laws both necessitate certain additional standards are met for construction of detention centers, prompting the revocation.
Second, the Howard County Council introduced emergency legislation which prohibits the permitting of privately-owned detention centers. The bill, which was co-sponsored by four out of five of the county’s council members, was introduced Monday evening. Its passage would make it impossible for the detention center plans to proceed in the county.
So many supporters showed up Monday night that they filled not only the main meeting room, but an overflow room, with around 200 people left out in the cold with their protest signs to celebrate.
The council will hear community testimony on Wednesday and Thursday night, but with the support of nearly all of its councilmembers and the locals at-large, it’s likely to pass.
It was great seeing so many people out there making their voices heard. I just hope we can all keep it up and keep this bullshit from happening anywhere.
Thank you for this article.
There was a rally outside. There must have been between 400 to 500 people. When everyone tried to come in they allowed 300 in to the main room, and 47 into the overflow room. Many people didn't make it into the building. They had to leave.