ICE Agents Open Fire on Van Driver in Maryland After Alleged Attempt to Run Them Over on Christmas Eve
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents opened fire on a van on Christmas Eve after the driver allegedly tried to run over officers during a law enforcement operation, leaving two people injured in the suburban Maryland community. The incident unfolded around 10:50 a.m. on December 24, when agents were conducting a detail in the area and approached a white van, according to the Anne Arundel County Police Department.
Police spokesperson Justin Mulacahy confirmed that the driver attempted to ram the ICE agents, prompting them to discharge their firearms in self-defense. The van then sped away before crashing in a wooded area near a residential neighborhood. One individual inside the vehicle was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital, where officials reported his condition as stable. Another person outside the van suffered minor injuries and also received medical treatment.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified the driver as Tiago Alexandre Sousa-Martins, an undocumented immigrant from Portugal. The passenger was Solomon Antonio Serrano-Esquivel, an illegal alien from El Salvador. According to DHS statements, agents instructed Sousa-Martins to turn off the engine, but he refused and attempted to flee the scene, reportedly ramming several ICE vehicles before targeting the officers themselves.
“Fearing for their lives and public safety, the ICE officers defensively fired their service weapons, striking the driver,” DHS said. The crash between two buildings resulted in injuries to the passenger as well. Agents on site provided immediate medical aid to both individuals before emergency services transported them to the hospital.
This confrontation is under multiple investigations as authorities seek to clarify the sequence of events and ensure accountability. The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during immigration enforcement operations, especially in densely populated areas.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has faced increased scrutiny and political debate over its enforcement tactics, particularly in states with sanctuary policies. The Maryland incident adds to a series of confrontations involving ICE agents nationwide, underscoring the complex challenges of immigration enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security continues to oversee the investigation, emphasizing the importance of officer safety and public security in its operations. Meanwhile, local authorities remain engaged in the inquiry, coordinating with federal partners to review the use of force and procedural compliance.
Anne Arundel County Police Department’s involvement in the response reflects the collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies during such critical incidents. The department has pledged transparency as the investigation progresses.
The incident has sparked discussions on immigration enforcement policies and the risks posed to both officers and civilians during confrontations. Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection illustrates the ongoing complexities faced by border and interior enforcement agencies in managing unauthorized immigration while ensuring public safety.
As investigations continue, the community of Glen Burnie and the broader Maryland region await further details on the circumstances leading to the shooting and the subsequent legal proceedings involving the individuals involved.
Leave a Reply