Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Visits Baltimore ICE Field Office to Demand Accountability for Marylanders

McClain Delaney also confirms viral video which depicts deplorable conditions of those locked within the facility

Baltimore, MD — Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) conducted an oversight tour of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Office in Baltimore to investigate the conditions of detained Maryland residents, understand their access to legal counsel, and question ICE officials about abusive enforcement practices that are terrorizing entire Maryland communities.

The visit comes amid national protests surrounding the killing of Minneapolis residents Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24, both incidents at the hands of DHS agents. It also comes just two weeks after the Congresswoman attended a field hearing in Minnesota where she heard directly from victims, families and advocates affected by the intimidation and violence that ICE’s actions have inflicted on communities in the Twin Cities. The Congresswoman also spoke at rallies in Cumberland and Hagerstown where she warned of ICE’s now-confirmed purchase of a warehouse for future detentions in Washington County.

The Congresswoman met with senior field office staff and observed that although the facility was designed for temporary detention of 12 hours or less, its five holding rooms (with a new maximum total of 226 detainees) are being used for multi-day confinement. Conditions within the holding pens are horrendous. Detainees are forced to sleep on thin mats and foil blankets placed directly on concrete floors and are not permitted to leave the holding rooms, even for showers or exercise. Each holding room contains a single community toilet with an attached sink, offering little to no privacy. Individuals detained behind thick glass walls reported being hungry and thirsty, and staff indicated the rooms had been sanitized shortly before her arrival.

Concerns about adequate access to legal resources and communications with family members seem further justified. The field office denied rumors of a Legionnaires’ outbreak. In sum, those detained for days on end were placed in conditions worse than would be found in our prisons, and with less protection of their individual rights and access to counsel.

“While I am relieved to be granted access after requesting this tour nearly two months ago, it’s clear that ICE gave us a highly sanitized portrayal of this facility. What remains unknown is what conditions look like when I’m not there. What I do know is that my Maryland neighbors are being detained far from their loved ones, with their rights ignored or undermined,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.

She added, “My constituents have shared with me firsthand reports of actions we’re seeing play out in the national news — lack of due process, intimidation through raids, officers concealing their identities, racial profiling and inhumane treatment. The majority of those detained are not violent criminals. This is unacceptable. I made clear to all the ICE officials I met in Baltimore that I expect better for the people of this country, and I will hold ICE and staff accountable for any and all unlawful actions carried out in Maryland.”

McClain Delaney believes in comprehensive immigration reform and is a cosponsor of legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in enforcement, including the CLEAR ID Act, the No Secret Police Act, and the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act. The Congresswoman has also called for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and voted against appropriations for DHS.

“I will not stay silent while this Administration harasses, assaults, and kills our neighbors. In Maryland, we leave no one behind, and I will work in lockstep with Team Maryland lawmakers and my constituents to show up, speak out, and stand in defense of our neighbors,” she said.

McClain Delaney also posted a ‘Know Your Rights’ resource on her webpage to help her constituents when interacting with ICE agents. She also calls on any affected individuals or concerned citizens in Maryland’s Sixth District to reach out to her office for help, and that confidentiality will be respected. Learn how to contact the Congresswoman.

“Together, we must stand up for our values, for respect for human life and dignity, and for who we are as Americans–and as Marylanders,” she said.

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney. 

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.