Two people were injured in Glen Burnie, Maryland, after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents fired shots at a vehicle allegedly evading arrest, according to officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The incident occurred Wednesday when ICE officers attempted to arrest two men, reported to be from Portugal and El Salvador, who were allegedly living in the United States illegally.
What Happened During the ICE Arrest Attempt
DHS reported that ICE agents approached the vehicle and instructed the driver to turn off the engine, but the driver allegedly refused and drove into several ICE vehicles. Fearing for their lives and public safety, officers discharged their firearms, striking the driver.
The driver subsequently crashed the van between two buildings, injuring the passenger as well. Both men received medical attention, while no ICE agents were injured during the incident.
In a statement on social media platform X, DHS said:
“Our brave officers are risking their lives every day to keep American communities safe by arresting and removing illegal aliens from our streets. Continued efforts to encourage illegal aliens and violent agitators to actively resist ICE will only lead to more violent incidents. The extremist rhetoric must stop.”
Local Response and Law Enforcement Details
Local police confirmed that ICE agents had approached a white van during the arrest attempt. Authorities reported that the driver attempted to ram the agents, prompting the officers to fire at the moving vehicle. The van eventually came to rest in a wooded residential area of Glen Burnie.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore posted on X that he was aware of the incident and promised that his office would share updates as the investigation progresses.
Similar ICE Incidents in Other States
The Maryland incident comes shortly after a similar encounter in Minnesota, where ICE agents opened fire on a Cuban man resisting arrest. According to ABC News, the man:
- Entered the U.S. through a discontinued asylum program
- Tried to evade ICE agents in St. Paul by driving an SUV
- Hit one ICE agent with his vehicle and later rammed another ICE vehicle at his apartment complex
During the Minnesota incident, ICE agents fired several rounds before arresting the individual, highlighting the escalating risks during high-stakes immigration enforcement operations.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the intense challenges faced by ICE officers when conducting arrest operations and the potential dangers to both law enforcement and the public during confrontations with individuals evading detention. DHS emphasizes that resisting ICE can lead to violent escalations and urges cooperation during enforcement actions.
Leave a Reply