WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD (March 18, 2026) – Officials from the Board of County Commissioners announce additional details related to the initial meeting held with officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 16, 2026. That meeting marked a significant step towards enhancing knowledge sharing and opened the lines of communication regarding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Washington County, Maryland. This first meeting brought together key subject matter experts, County and DHS leadership.
During the meeting, Washington County officials addressed a variety of topics, including aspects regarding community concerns, and concerns regarding impact on local resources.
Project Scope
DHS officials indicated that the new facility will be a processing facility; and, the new facility is not a detention center. The new facility was described as a booking facility where detainees would be brought for intake processing and could open up 1,125 jobs. Detainees would stay at that facility for an average of 3-7 days after which they would be transferred to a detention center out of state for long term needs. DHS anticipates that about 500 beds would be in use on any given day. However, the facility would be sized for 1,500 beds so utilization could be higher at times, although this is unlikely to occur.
Humane Treatment of Detainees
DHS officials expressed their desire to dispel negative comments with regard to humane treatment of detainees at their facilities. DHS facilities have the highest detention standards in the country for housing, medical and other needs. The facility will have a full complement of onsite medical staffing and will provide ancillary services. The facilities will be audited on a regular basis (monthly and annually) for various standards by an independent 3rd party who reviews services provided. Performance-based national detention standards being monitored include: nutritional and hygienic standards for food storage and meal preparation; medical care and screenings; recreation and religious freedom; confidential access to legal counseling and family; safety and sanitation of living conditions; and grievance mechanisms.
Water and Wastewater
DHS indicated that they have contracted with KVG, LLC to renovate the facility in Washington County, Maryland. KVG, LLC is now responsible for all engineering and construction work related to the project, including assessment of water and wastewater capacity and infrastructure needs. Once the engineering evaluation is completed, KVG, LLC will be in contact with the City of Hagerstown for water service needs and Washington County for wastewater service needs. If the engineering evaluation determines additional capacity is needed for facility operations, DHS officials indicated that the federal government will pay any fees required for additional water or wastewater capacity; and, DHS officials indicated that the federal government will pay for any required infrastructure improvements needed to the Wright Road Sewage Pump Station. If additional water and wastewater capacity is needed, KVG, LLC is also responsible for providing a temporary solution for meeting the facilities water and wastewater needs until infrastructure improvements are made.
Impact on Local Resources
The facility will have a full complement of medical staff, including doctors and nurses, to provide around the clock, 24/7 care for detainees. DHS officials indicated that the facility will handle medical needs in house or through a private contractor so as not to overburden local resources. Additionally, security for the facility will be provided by the Federal Protective Service (FPS).
Officials from DHS welcomed the open dialogue between our agencies and expressed a desire to maintain ongoing communication and collaboration. Future meetings have not been scheduled at this time; and, the County Commissioners of Washington County are committed to ensuring that residents have all available information as it becomes available.
For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380.
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