Baltimore, MD – On Wednesday, April 15, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland will hold a hearing in State of Maryland v. Kristi Noem, a case challenging the United States Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) rushed plan to convert a western Maryland warehouse meant for goods into a massive internment facility and human warehouse. DHS purchased the warehouse on January 16, 2026, for $102.4 million, and plans to cycle up to 1,500 people through the internment facility each day – nearly 190,000 people per year.
During the 10 a.m. hearing, the court will consider arguments presented in an amicus curiae brief filed on March 27 by a coalition of elected officials and community organizations. Signatories include Washington County State Delegate Matt Schindler; Hagerstown City Council Members Caroline Anderson, Erika Bell, and Tiara Burnett; Hagerstown Rapid Response; Hagerstown Area Religious Council; the Washington County Branch of the NAACP, ACLU of Maryland, and the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights. These “friends of the court” join the State in urging the court to permanently end DHS’s plan, citing the agency’s failure to provide basic information to local communities despite the project’s significant and foreseeable major impacts on local infrastructure, emergency services and public health.
Ahead of the 10am hearing, advocates and community members will hold a rally at 9am in front of the Edward A. Garmatz United States District Courthouse to raise awareness and demand transparency, accountability, and an end to this inhumane and expensive project.
WHAT: Rally and court hearing to pause DHS’ plans to turn a warehouse into a 1500 bed internment facility to store human beings.
WHO: Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, ACLU Maryland Executive Director Dana Vickers Shelley; We Are CASA Legal Director Ama Frimpong, Esq; Baltimore City Councilperson Rev. Mark Parker, leaders and organizers from Washington County, community members, faith leaders, and coalition members.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 15: Rally at 9:00am. Hearing at 10:00am.
WHERE: 101 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201
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