Ice agents shoot van driver in tense Christmas Eve confrontation

09:27

By: Dakir Madiha

Ice agents shoot van driver in tense Christmas Eve confrontation

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents opened fire on a white van in Maryland during a routine immigration operation on Christmas Eve, after the driver allegedly attempted to ram them. The incident unfolded in Glen Burnie around 10:50 a.m., when officers approached the vehicle and instructed the driver to shut off the engine. Instead of complying, the driver refused, accelerated toward the agents, and collided with several ICE vehicles before crashing between two buildings.

The driver, struck by gunfire, and a passenger, injured in the wreck, were both hospitalized in stable condition. Agents provided immediate medical aid before emergency services arrived. One agent sustained minor injuries treated on site.

Authorities identified the driver as Tiago Alexandre Sousa-Martins from Portugal and the passenger as Solomon Antonio Serrano-Esquivel from El Salvador, both undocumented individuals according to the Department of Homeland Security. The DHS emphasized that officers acted in self-defense, fearing for their lives and public safety amid the driver's aggressive maneuvers.

Multiple investigations are underway, including by the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI for the alleged assault on federal agents, and ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility. Local police chief Amal Awad noted that county resources were not involved in the shooting itself.

This event highlights escalating tensions in immigration enforcement operations, coming amid a year of heightened confrontations nationwide. The DHS urged an end to rhetoric encouraging resistance against federal agents.