Summary of H.R. 7470: Prohibiting DHS Immigration Detention Facilities in Washington County, Maryland
Overview
This bill, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 10, 2026, seeks to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from establishing or operating any immigration detention or holding facilities within Washington County, Maryland.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on DHS/ICE Immigration Detention Facilities: The bill expressly forbids DHS and ICE from setting up or running any immigration detention centers or temporary holding facilities in Washington County, Maryland.
- Exceptions: The bill does not specify any exceptions or allowances for DHS/ICE to operate such facilities in the county, suggesting an absolute prohibition.
- Jurisdiction: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on Homeland Security for consideration.
Potential Impact
- Restricting Immigration Enforcement Capabilities: If enacted, this bill would limit the ability of federal immigration authorities to detain and hold undocumented immigrants in the Washington County, Maryland area, potentially impacting enforcement and deportation efforts in that region.
- Local Community Implications: The prohibition on DHS/ICE detention facilities could have social, economic, and political implications for the Washington County community, depending on the current or planned presence of such facilities in the area.
- Broader Policy Debates: This legislation touches on the broader controversies surrounding immigration enforcement, detention practices, and the role of local communities in such federal initiatives.
Procedural Timeline
- The bill was introduced in the House on February 10, 2026 and has been referred to two House committees for further consideration.
- No additional legislative actions have been reported at this time, so the bill's path forward remains uncertain.
Overall, H.R. 7470 represents a targeted effort to restrict the ability of the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to operate immigration detention facilities within Washington County, Maryland, though the full scope and implications of the bill remain to be determined through the legislative process.
