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3d ago

Howard County Moves to Block Permits for Private ICE Detention Centers

County lawmakers will consider an emergency bill Monday following inspections of detention buildout at an Elkridge office.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball speaks to members of the Ellicott City Partnership, local business owners and community members as they unveil the newest addition of pop culture and science fiction in Old Ellicott City. The TARDIS from Doctor Who is constructed as a tiny library that will travel around Howard County.

Overview

  • County Executive Calvin Ball submitted emergency legislation to prohibit permitting for privately owned buildings operating as detention centers.
  • An office at 6522 Meadowridge Road in Elkridge is under renovation for detention use under an Aug. 5 permit citing detainee processing and secured waiting areas.
  • The project is nearing completion, with a Dec. 29 inspection passed with conditions and further approvals required before a use-and-occupancy certificate.
  • The property is owned by Genesis GSA Strategic One LLC, with McKeever Services as the permitted contractor, and the county reports no knowledge of any lease or federal contract.
  • The County Council is set to take up the measure on Feb. 2 following heightened scrutiny after a recent ICE arrest and marketing materials showing GSA/ICE as the listed tenant.