Leaders, Public Rally Against Suspected ICE Facility In Hyattsville

HYATTSVILLE, MD — Protestors demonstrated Thursday in opposition of a suspected ICE facility located in Hyattsville, led by Rep. Glenn Ivey.

The facility operates blocks from homes, a church and a social services office, according to reports.

The “ICE Out” rally was led by federal and local lawmakers including Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. It was held outside the suspected ICE-occupied building at 6505 Belcrest Road, where leaders believe ICE is leasing as much as 20,000 square feet of space.

“The community stands together and it's making a difference, and they're winning in Minnesota. We're gonna win here too, right?” Ivey asked the crowd gathered for the protest.

Ivey, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Sen. Chris Van Hollen said they sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons asking for DHS and ICE to provide specifics about the proposed facility, such as its size and if it would have detention holding areas or operations. They gave a Feb. 27 deadline for a written response.

“According to publicly available contracting documents and investigative reporting, ICE has been pursuing more than 150 leases and office expansions at locations across the country, including a proposed lease at 6505 Belcrest Road (Metro 1) in Hyattsville, located in Maryland’s Fourth Congressional District. Given the significant community concern surrounding ICE operations and the potential local impact of this expansion mere blocks from a church, a sensitive location and in the same building as a local Social Services Office of Family Investment, serving young children and families—we are requesting detailed information regarding this proposed facility,” the lawmakers wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons.

Braveboy spoke at the protest in defense of immigrants, reported NBC Washington.

“Here in Prince George's County, we care about our residents without regard to their status in this country. Their status that I care about is that they are a resident of Prince George’s County. That’s the only status that really matters to me as county executive,” she said at the protest. “That’s the status that also matters to our police department. Let me be very clear: Our police department does not cooperate with ICE.”

During the rally, Braveboy said she would sign an executive order Thursday afternoon aimed at “protecting the people of our community." She was joined by Ivey, County Council Chair Krystal Oridha and members of the Prince George’s County Council, representatives from Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and mayors and municipal leaders from throughout the county as she signed executive order No. 9-2026, which establishes an immediate moratorium on any proposal seeking to use any property in Prince George’s County as a detention center.

“The animal shelters in Prince George’s County are better maintained than the ICE detention centers,” Ivey said.

Council Members emphasized the importance of reassuring residents who have expressed fear about visiting local businesses and community spaces.

“Residents are being told to beware of visiting international grocery markets,” said Council Member Wala Blegay. “We want residents to know, do not be afraid. We are here to help you.”

Braveboy also unveiled a new logo design that will be posted on county buildings, garages and parking lots designating them safe spaces like churches and schools.

During the news conference to announce the signing of the legislation, Braveboy introduced city of Mount Rainier Mayor Celina Benitez who then introduced 10-year-old Prince George’s County resident Liliana Ramirez who shared her family’s experience after her father was detained at his construction job site two days before the new year. She and her family have not seen or heard from him since. Her testimony highlighted the profound human impact of recent enforcement activity.

“I am the daughter of an immigrant. My father came to this country in pursuit of the American Dream,” Braveboy said. “The disregard for human life will not be tolerated in Prince George’s County. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not Ever.”

Braveboy praised Liliana’s bravery, recognizing that they share being born in America, although their fathers were not.

Asked by a reporter if she thought her actions might appear antagonistic to ICE officials, Braveboy said, “The time is always right to do the right thing. You know, to think or believe that if we just say nothing, we’ll get overlooked? I don’t think that’s the right strategy.”

The ICE rally Thursday came on the tail end of Gov. Wes Moore signing SB 245 and House Bill 444 into law. The legislation, known as “Public Safety – Immigration Enforcement Agreements – Prohibition,” blocks 287(g) agreements that would allow local law enforcement to grant federal immigration authority to county officers. Moore said Maryland will “not allow untrained, unqualified and unaccountable agents to deputize our brave local law enforcement officers,” while still vowing to keep violent criminals off the street.

Two emergency bills to block the use of privately owned buildings as federal detention centers and limit Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to county facilities and properties were approved last Thursday night by the Howard County Council. The measures also ban any kind of ICE agreement with any county agency, Patch previously reported.

Hundreds of residents voiced concerns Wednesday night at a public meeting held regarding the emergency bills. In 2020, the Howard County Council passed the Liberty Act, which prohibits the use of county resources for immigration enforcement unless it is required by federal or state law, an international treaty or an existing intergovernmental service agreement.

One of the emergency bills was introduced by Howard County Executive Calvin Bill earlier this week after the county inspected a building in Elkridge that leaders believed was being renovated for use as an ICE detention facility. That building permit has since been revoked by the county.

State law requires private immigration detention centers to meet certain notice and public hearing requirements, officials said.

The second bill proposed by Councilwoman Liz Walsh establishes guidance related to immigration enforcement action at county facilities and property, requiring county departments to adopt specific policies on immigration enforcement.