Bill · H.R. 7470· House(119-HR-7470)
Keep ICE Out of Washington County, Maryland Act
- Introduced
- 2/10/2026
- Last activity
- 2/11/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- Sponsored by
- April McClain Delaney
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Keep ICE Out of Washington County, Maryland Act," aims to prevent the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from creating immigration detention or holding facilities in Washington County, Maryland. It prohibits these agencies from establishing, operating, expanding, or reopening such facilities in the county. Additionally, the bill forbids the use of any appropriated funds for these purposes. The legislation also establishes legal standing for certain groups to take action in court to enforce these rules.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+5
The bill emphasizes local control over land-use planning and community development in Washington County.
Would immigrants be better off under this?+3
The bill prohibits the operation of detention facilities where due process and medical care are reportedly issues.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?+2
The bill prevents the establishment of immigration detention facilities often used for noncitizens.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill prohibits the expenditure of appropriated funds for establishing or operating detention facilities in Washington County.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?-1
The bill limits the operational capacity of DHS and ICE which may affect various agency functions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of local community interests: The bill seeks to respect land-use planning and community development, which are traditionally local concerns, by preventing the siting of federal facilities against local input (Section 2, Finding 5 and 6).
-
Prevention of facility establishment or expansion: By prohibiting the establishment, operation, expansion, or reopening of detention or holding facilities, the bill addresses concerns regarding the impact these facilities have on public health, housing, infrastructure, and local services (Section 3, Section 2, Finding 1).
-
Legal recourse for residents: The bill allows residents of Washington County, the local government, Members of Congress, or the State of Maryland to bring actions in the United States District Court to enforce the prohibition (Section 3, Section 2, Finding 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on federal agency operations: The bill prevents the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from establishing or operating any detention or holding facility in Washington County, Maryland (Section 3, Section 2, Finding 2, 3, and 4).
-
Prohibition of fund usage: The bill prevents any appropriated or available funds from being used for the purpose of establishing, operating, expanding, or reopening these facilities (Section 3, Section 2, Finding 1).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+3Good For Hispanic Americans+2Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Low Income Households+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+5Improves Government Transparency+2
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+1Improves Pathway To Citizenship+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits-1
- 2/11/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- 2/10/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House