LAWMAKERS TARGET TAXES ON DETENTION FACILITIES

Two Maryland lawmakers are proposing legislation that could allow Howard County to impose higher taxes on private detention centers, including a planned ICE center in Elkridge. State Senator Clarence Lam and Delegate Gabriel Moreno say the measure would let county leaders account for potential demands on services such as policing, emergency response and infrastructure. The proposal comes after a federal judge allowed construction of the immigration detention facility to move forward despite county opposition. Supporters say the bill is intended to recover local costs associated with detention centers, not block them from operating.