Washington County Commissioners Meeting Faces Multiple Disruptions Amid ICE, Free Speech Concerns

HAGERSTOWN, MD – A Washington County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday was marked by significant disruptions, both inside and outside the County administration building, as residents voiced strong opposition to a recently purchased warehouse on Wright Road intended for use by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as well as concerns regarding the County’s discontinuation of public comment. County Administrator Michelle Gordon read a statement addressing community concerns regarding the facility, clarifying the county’s limited involvement in the selection and oversight of the property.

The meeting began with a recess to address an attendee, local activist Shaun Porter, who was asked to leave the room due to possessing two signs, which were reportedly within county size regulations. Porter asserted that the county’s Rules of Decorum did not specify a limit on the number of signs an individual could have. Following an emergency closed session by the County to discuss the matter, Porter returned with two signs, leading to a second recess and his subsequent removal from the premises by the Sheriff’s office. The disruptions continued throughout the session, with outbursts from the audience and applause following the removal of another attendee by the sheriff’s office. Commissioners reminded attendees that the session was not an interactive public forum.

In her statement, County Administrator Gordon acknowledged the community’s concerns about Washington County not being part of the site selection process for the new ICE facility. She emphasized that neither the federal government nor the private entity involved in the property’s sale consulted with Washington County. As the property is now federally owned, Gordon stated that Washington County Government has no jurisdiction over it and will not be the governing body overseeing the project. She also addressed comparisons made by residents to a facility in Howard County, explaining that such comparisons are not accurate. The Howard County example involved a building owned by a private company, whereas the Wright Road property is owned by the federal government.

Gordon further explained that addressing many of the suggestions from both county and non-county residents would necessitate legal opinions on potential liabilities for the county and individuals involved in taking adverse actions against another organization. Additionally, interpretations of the hierarchy and interactions between local, state, and federal government authority and jurisdiction would be required, matters on which the county could not comment at this time. A resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on February 10, 2026, expressed general support for the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and local law enforcement agencies in their public safety roles, encouraging cooperation across all government levels. However, Washington County has not received any project information from the federal government regarding the Wright Road property and will not speculate on its future use or development. Gordon concluded by stating that beyond the January 28, 2026 statement and the February 10, 2026 resolution, Washington County Government has no additional information.

The evening session also experienced disruptions, with county commissioner candidate Curtis Reigh reportedly challenging the County Commissioners to reinstate free speech and public comment at the meeting’s conclusion as reported by Speak Up Community News.

Protesters have indicated their intention to continue weekly demonstrations against the proposed ICE facility. We will continue to track developments of the facility and post related documents to our repository.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon Washington County Commissioner Meeting on February 25, 2026.

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