In Glen Burnie, Maryland, ICE agents opened fire on a van after the driver allegedly attempted to flee and ram ICE vehicles during a targeted immigration enforcement operation. The driver and passenger were injured and hospitalized in stable condition. The incident is under investigation by ICE, local police, and the FBI, with neighbors expressing shock over the event in their typically quiet neighborhood.
A shooting incident involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents occurred in Glen Burnie, Maryland, resulting in two individuals being hospitalized. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that ICE agents opened fire on a van after the driver allegedly attempted to use the vehicle as a weapon against the agents during a targeted immigration enforcement operation.
The event took place just before 11:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve in a residential neighborhood in Glen Burnie. According to DHS, ICE agents identified two men in a van who were suspected of being in the country illegally. The driver was identified as Tiago Alexandre Sousa Martins from Portugal, and the passenger was Solomon Antonio Serrano Esquivel from El Salvador.
ICE agents approached the van to speak with the men. However, the driver reportedly attempted to flee the scene by ramming his van into ICE vehicles. The driver then allegedly sped toward the ICE agents, prompting them to open fire in self-defense.
The driver was struck by gunfire and subsequently crashed the van between two buildings. The passenger was injured in the crash. Both men were transported to a local hospital and are currently in stable condition with expectations of recovery. No ICE agents were reported injured during the incident.
Emergency medical services responded promptly to the scene, with first responders reporting gunshot wounds. The van was driven off the road and ended up in a wooded area near the crash site. A tow truck was observed removing the vehicle from the scene.
The investigation is ongoing and involves multiple agencies, including ICE, Anne Arundel County Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Police tape remains at the scene as authorities continue to gather evidence and assess the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Neighbors in the Glen Burnie area expressed shock and concern over the incident, especially given the timing on Christmas Eve. Residents described the neighborhood as typically peaceful and quiet, with few encounters involving ICE agents. Some neighbors reported hearing gunshots and witnessing the chaotic aftermath, which was unusual for the community.
The situation remains fluid as authorities continue their investigation. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
