Most of Maryland’s congressional delegation joined forces to gain access to what Sen. Angela Alsobrooks described as a ‘shameful, secret place’ where ICE detainees were being processed in Baltimore. The visit, which has drawn comparisons to a similar incident in Newark, was organized by Alsobrooks and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who previously made deported suspected human trafficker Kilmar Garcia a cause célèbre. Reps. Kweisi Mfume, Johnny Olszewski Jr., Sarah Elfreth, and Glenn Ivey also joined the delegation at the facility, raising concerns over the treatment of detainees and the transparency of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
The scene resembled a more peaceful version of a similar visit by several New Jersey lawmakers to an ICE detention facility in Newark, where Rep. LaMonica McIver was arrested for allegedly accosting officers. Unlike Newark’s jail-type complex, the Baltimore ICE office is more contained within the larger George Fallon federal building near Charles Center. Officials stated that the office serves as a processing center rather than a detention facility, with small numbers of detainees at any one time. However, Alsobrooks and other lawmakers expressed frustration with the lack of transparency, noting that several doors were locked and employees covered their faces during the inspection.
Alsobrooks claimed that the visit was aimed at ‘shining a light on evil that is persisting in darkness,’ while Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., suggested the participants sought a ‘publicity stunt’ to gain media attention. In separate remarks, Alsobrooks emphasized the importance of ensuring that the treatment of detainees is ‘not inhumane’ and that the episode was ‘distressing.’ She criticized the lack of access to information, calling for greater oversight of immigration facilities to safeguard the humanity of detainees.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons recently accused Democrats of being responsible for the high number of criminal aliens released in Maryland, particularly in Prince George’s County. Alsobrooks, who previously served as county executive, and Ivey, who now represents the area in Congress, have faced criticism for their roles in the state’s immigration policies. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem also responded to the delegation’s actions, stating that Van Hollen was ‘protecting monsters over American victims,’ highlighting four illegal immigrants arrested on charges including possession of child pornography, sexual abuse of a minor, and conspiracy to commit murder.
The Maryland Democrats appeared undeterred by the criticisms, with Alsobrooks asserting that the Trump administration ‘doesn’t give a rat’s a– about any of us.’ Rep. Kweisi Mfume argued that ICE’s denial of a tour violated a law allowing federal lawmakers to conduct oversight of immigration facilities, and that the agency’s actions ‘do not bode well here in Baltimore.’ Glenn Ivey added that the episode was a ‘sad day’ for the country, emphasizing the need for a return to constitutional principles in immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, two members of the delegation did not participate in the visit, including Rep. April McClain-Delaney and the remaining Republican representative, Andy Harris. Harris criticized the delegation for staging a ‘sit-in’ stunt to gain media attention rather than addressing the root causes of illegal immigration and gang activity in the state.
Alsobrooks reportedly responded to Harris’s criticism by suggesting that, as the lone Maryland Republican aligned with the White House, Harris should be advocating for denied FEMA monies for flood victims in Cumberland and Luke. Trump’s recent comments about shifting the burden of FEMA aid to states have further complicated the issue, as local residents in Maryland are reportedly frustrated with the administration’s policies. The incident underscores the deepening political divide over immigration enforcement and the role of federal agencies in protecting American interests, with Democrats and Republicans offering starkly different perspectives on the matter.