The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed the announcement that Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s plans to convert a warehouse in Washington County into a large immigration detention facility without required environmental review, public input, or state consultation.
“Today’s legal action by Attorney General Brown is a strong defense of the rule of law, community voice, and human dignity,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “Maryland stands on the right side of history when it challenges federal actions that bypass critical legal safeguards and put vulnerable individuals at risk.”
The lawsuit highlights that the federal government spent more than $100 million to purchase a 54-acre facility near Williamsport – a warehouse design ill-suited for human habitation – to hold up to 1,500 people, nearly matching the town’s entire population, without meaningful transparency or oversight.
CAIR has long advocated for humane immigration policies and due process for all regardless of national origin, religion, or immigration status. The civil rights group has expressed support for Maryland’s top law enforcement official’s efforts in pushing back against efforts that could lead to inhumane detention conditions and disregard for the voices of residents and affected communities.
“Detention centers like the one proposed in western Maryland have a documented history of poor conditions, limited access to medical care, and violations of basic human rights,” Chaudry added. “We commend Attorney General Brown for taking decisive action to protect Marylanders and uphold legal standards that protect public health, safety, and environmental integrity.”
CAIR Maryland continues to seek transparency, respect for environmental and civil rights laws, and immigration policies grounded in human dignity and justice.
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; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com