The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed the Baltimore County Council’s unanimous 6-0 vote to pass emergency legislation prohibiting ICE immigration detention centers from operating in the county.
SEE: Baltimore County Council votes to ban ICE detention centers
Council passes emergency bill banning ICE detention facilities in Baltimore County
The emergency measure amends county zoning rules to prevent the issuance of permits for detention centers, jails, or other facilities used for “involuntary confinement.” The legislation also allows for the suspension or revocation of certain permits issued since January 1, 2026. County- and state-run facilities are exempt.
The vote followed reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had leased office space in Hunt Valley. County officials later clarified that the Hunt Valley location is not classified as a detention center and is reportedly intended for use as a legal or administrative office.
In a statement, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said the legislation responds to concerns about detention facilities opening without community input and thanked councilmembers for acting swiftly.
CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“We commend the Baltimore County Council for taking proactive steps to ensure that detention facilities are not established in our neighborhoods without transparency or community consideration. This action reflects the concerns of residents across party lines who want to see policies grounded in dignity, fairness, and public accountability.”
The measure, introduced by Councilman Julian Jones, passed with bipartisan support. Public interest in the issue has grown amid broader discussions about immigration enforcement expansion nationwide.
CAIR has consistently advocated for policies that protect civil rights, due process, and the well-being of immigrant families. The organization emphasized that community safety and constitutional protections must remain central in local and state policymaking.
Recently, CAIR welcomed the passage of emergency legislation on the local and state level protecting immigrant communities.
SEE: CAIR Maryland Welcomes Passage of Howard County Legislation Protecting Immigrant Communities
CAIR Md. Welcomes Signing of Emergency Legislation Banning Law Enforcement Partnering with ICE
“Maryland communities are strongest when policies reflect transparency, respect for human rights, and meaningful local oversight,” Chaudry added. “We look forward to continued engagement with county leaders to ensure that all residents – regardless of background – feel safe and respected.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062 (tel:410-971-6062); CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530 (tel:404-285-9530), e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726 (tel:202-744-7726), ihooper@cair.com