Filed Date: Feb. 23, 2026
Case Ongoing
Clearinghouse coding complete
The State of Maryland brought this action seeking declaratory and injunctive relief under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. § 701 et seq., and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq., to halt the government's unlawful decision to establish a massive immigration detention facility in Washington County, Maryland. On January 16, 2026, Defendants U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) purchased a vacant commercial warehouse just outside of Williamsport, Maryland —a town with a population of just over 2,000 individuals—with the intention of converting it into an immigration detention facility outfitted with 1,500 beds. The plaintiff alleged that converting the Williamsport Warehouse into a massive immigration detention facility will have predictable impacts on the environmental, economic, and public health and safety interests of the State of Maryland. Among other things, the construction of the detention center is likely to harm the state’s natural resources and environment—including a waterway that is a tributary to the Potomac River and important habitat to State protected species. Further, public reporting of conditions in detention facilities around the country reveals concerning evidence of a measles outbreak, sewage problems, and generally unsanitary conditions—alarming data that would implicate State public health authorities as well.
Accordingly, the state of Maryland brought this suit in the District of Maryland seeking a declaration that the construction of the immigration facility is unlawful and a court order enjoining the government from purchasing the warehouse for the purpose of converting it into an immigration detention facility.
This case is ongoing.
Summary Authors
Jinan Abufarha (3/1/2026)
Sofia Yoder (3/28/2026)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72313096/parties/state-of-maryland-v-noem/
Brewer, Robert Newman (Maryland)
Drezner, Michael (Maryland)
Goldstein, Steven J. (Maryland)
Kirschner, Adam (Maryland)
Duffy, Sean C. (Maryland)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72313096/state-of-maryland-v-noem/
Last updated March 12, 2026, 11:49 a.m.
State / Territory:
Case Type(s):
Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority
Key Dates
Filing Date: Feb. 23, 2026
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
The plaintiff is the state of Maryland.
Plaintiff Type(s):
Public Interest Lawyer: No
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Federal
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Kristi Noem
Todd Lyons
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.
National Environmental Protection Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321–4370f
Other Dockets:
District of Maryland 1:26-cv-00733
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Relief Granted:
Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order
Source of Relief:
Content of Injunction:
Issues
General/Misc.:
Case Summary of State of Maryland v. Noem, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/47852/ (last updated 3/28/2026).