Violent ICE encounter in Frederick prompts calls for investigation
By Marshall Keely
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FREDERICK, Md. (WBAL) — A protest in a Frederick neighborhood turned violent Friday night as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers clashed with demonstrators, leaving some injured and prompting calls for an investigation.
Protesters gathered near Stoneybrook Court after ICE vehicles were spotted in the area on Thursday. By Friday, more than 100 community members had joined the demonstration, chanting and linking arms in opposition to the federal immigration enforcement activity.
“We were attacked. Our community was physically attacked by federal law enforcement officers,” Frederick City Council President Cesar Diaz said. “In the past, we’ve seen them come in, they do something, they kidnap someone and then they leave. This time, they stuck around.”
Witnesses said ICE officers appeared to be targeting a specific house and began driving SUVs onto sidewalks, ordering protesters to move.
“He started to really come at me and so I moved off. There was another woman there with me, and then, there was another protester sort of in front, like caddy-corner to me. He actually plowed into that person and started pushing them with his car,” said Soolah Kemp, a protester.
Kemp also described how a group of protesters later linked arms in front of the home.
“They were just standing there. It wasn’t like they were fighting. They weren’t. They just linked arms,” Kemp said.
Video from the scene captured the moment officers physically engaged with protesters.
“(They were) beating people with batons, kicking them, punching them, throwing people on the ground, just to attempt to get into the front door of this home,” said Tatiana Santos, who is with Indivisible Frederick Forward.
Protesters suffered cuts and bruises, with some requiring hospitalization. Frederick police eventually arrived to deescalate the situation. Witnesses said ICE officers broke into the home and later spoke with the family inside.
“We were asked to be quiet so that they could have a conversation with ICE and then ICE left,” Santos said.
Witnesses said it did not appear that ICE made any arrests during the incident.
Diaz expressed concern about the implications of the encounter.
“This is the first time that’s happened in Frederick. I think that level of action is the first time that’s happened anywhere in Maryland, and now, people are concerned. Is this the new normal? Is this an escalation?” Diaz said.
Diaz also noted that he had not seen a warrant for ICE’s activity. Community members are now calling on the Maryland attorney general to investigate the incident.
Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette Ramos, D-District 14, said some of the protesters came from Baltimore. She criticized the officers’ actions, writing: “Shame on ICE for their violent, unconstitutional behavior.”
A Department of Homeland Security representative sent a statement Tuesday to WBAL-TV 11 News, saying:
“For operation security and the safety of our personnel, we will not disclose or discuss information related to potential investigations. “Under President (Donald) Trump and Secretary (Markwayne) Mullin, if you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S. We will find you, we will arrest you and we will deport you.” Requests for comment from the governor’s office and Frederick police have not yet been answered.
U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney, D-District 6, who represents Frederick, released a statement Monday night, saying:
“What we have seen in Frederick over the past several days is deeply concerning. No family should be afraid to leave their home or feel unsafe in their own neighborhood. The safety and well-being of our residents must come first. “My office has been closely monitoring the situation, and I have been in direct contact with local elected officials and community leaders to hear about what occurred and the concerns residents have raised. also been in communication with Frederick’s mayor and public safety officials to discuss the situation and determine what additional steps are needed. “I am especially disturbed by reports that ICE agents used force against Frederick residents. These allegations demand immediate answers and a full, transparent investigation. “Federal law enforcement has a responsibility to carry out its duties lawfully and safely — and the Frederick community deserves transparency and answers. “I will continue working proactively with local leaders, law enforcement, and community organizations to get those answers and ensure the safety of Frederick residents remains our top priority.
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