ICE Seeks Public Input on Floodplain Impacts for Proposed Detention Processing Center in Washington County, Maryland

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, is seeking public comment on a proposal to convert an existing warehouse facility in Williamsport, Maryland, into a Detention Processing Center. The facility, located at 10900 Hopewell Road (aka 16220 Wright Road), is situated partially within a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain and a regulatory floodway, prompting ICE to evaluate alternatives and mitigation strategies in accordance with Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management. The agency is offering the public an opportunity to voice concerns and provide information regarding the potential impacts of this project.

Editor’s note: ICE’s notice incorrectly references the warehouse as being located in on Hopewell Road in Hagerstown, Maryland, but is in fact located in Williamsport, Maryland on Wright Road.

The proposed action involves ICE acquiring and retrofitting the nearly 825,000-square-foot warehouse, which was constructed in 2022 on a 53.74-acre property. This facility would serve as a temporary holding site for individuals in immigration custody awaiting processing. The operational area of the facility, encompassing approximately 38 acres, will be secured with 6,700 linear feet of perimeter fencing. Minor enhancements are planned, including the potential construction of a small modular security checkpoint, upgrades to exterior lighting and security cameras, replacement of the existing emergency generator, and the installation of new telecommunications cabling. Additionally, improvements to sanitary sewer connections may be necessary to accommodate projected wastewater flows, with any required work to be coordinated with local authorities and conducted in compliance with Washington County floodplain regulations. All proposed work is expected to occur within previously developed and disturbed areas, with no expansion beyond current site boundaries or off-site utility corridor improvements anticipated.

ICE’s review of FEMA flood hazard data indicates that approximately 1.3 acres in the southwestern portion of the parcel are within the 0.2-percent-annual-chance floodplain, also known as a shaded Zone X. The remaining acreage is not located within a designated flood zone. Importantly, the portion of the property within the floodplain is confined to the parcel’s edge and does not encompass the existing structure or areas designated for planned improvements. Consequently, specific building elevation adjustments related to floodplain impact analysis were deemed not relevant for this project. Ground disturbance will be limited to shallow excavations for essential infrastructure like fencing, awning piers for recreation areas, light poles, and utility tie-ins, with all disturbed areas to be restored to their original grades.

To address potential flood risks, ICE is implementing several resilience measures. These include providing backup power with automatic transfer capability sufficient to maintain facility operations during flood events. The site is equipped with an existing engineered stormwater system designed to manage runoff and discharge it to Semple Run Creek. ICE commits to regularly assessing and maintaining this system. The proposed renovations will not alter drainage patterns, increase impervious areas, or change basin capacity. Given the limited scope of ground disturbance confined to previously developed areas, significant erosion and sediment control measures are not anticipated, though compliance with all applicable regulations will be ensured. ICE has concluded that with these measures, the facility can be safely occupied and operated adjacent to the mapped floodplain without increasing flood risk.

In line with federal requirements to avoid adverse impacts from floodplain development, ICE explored alternative locations. Several sites were assessed, including two in Baltimore and one in Sparrows Point, Maryland, in addition to the Hagerstown property. The Baltimore and Sparrows Point sites were found to have more significant limitations, such as site control issues, proximity to residential areas, or insufficient infrastructure capacity that would necessitate substantial modifications. The Hagerstown location was identified as the most viable option due to its modern, previously developed nature, compatible surrounding land uses, and existing infrastructure, allowing for minimal new disturbance and reduced potential for environmental or community impacts. The “No Action” alternative, which would involve continued reliance on existing, inadequate facilities, was deemed unsuitable for meeting ICE’s long-term operational needs. The Hagerstown site, therefore, is considered the preferred alternative as it balances operational requirements with minimized environmental and community impacts.

The public comment period is intended to provide those potentially affected by activities in floodplains, as well as environmental advocates, an opportunity to share their concerns and information. This process also serves to educate the public about floodplains and promote federal efforts to reduce risks associated with their use. By providing this notice, DHS is fulfilling its obligation to inform those who might be at increased or continued risk due to federal participation in projects within floodplains. Individuals or groups wishing to submit comments can do so via email to icesustainability@ice.dhs.gov. Comments must be received by the Department of Homeland Security no later than Thursday, March 5, 2026.

All of Radio Free Hub City’s documents regarding the ICE warehouse can be located on DocumentCloud.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

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