Key facts
- ICE officers clashed with protesters in Frederick, Maryland, last Thursday and Friday.
- Videos show ICE officers using batons on protesters and driving vehicles toward them.
- Frederick city council president Cesar Diaz reported being nearly hit by an ICE vehicle.
- At least two people were hospitalized due to injuries from the confrontation.
- Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and Senator Chris Van Hollen are demanding an investigation.
- Maryland Governor Wes Moore's office is working with local leaders on accountability.
Political leaders in Maryland are calling for investigations into the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers following clashes with protesters in Frederick last Thursday and Friday. Videos circulating online show ICE officers using batons on members of the public and driving their vehicles onto sidewalks towards people. Residents expressed fear, with some being scared to leave their homes. Cesar Diaz, president of the Frederick city council, stated he and council vice-president Katie Nash had to move to avoid being hit by an ICE vehicle, with no warning given. Diaz estimated around 200 protesters had gathered quickly. ICE stated to local media that they were in the area to arrest a man during a vehicle stop, but the individual fled the scene. Tensions escalated later in the day, with ICE officers confronting protesters. Some protesters attempted to block ICE from entering a residential address by forming a human chain, leading to violence. Diaz described the level of force used by officers as excessive and exceeding what is permitted, noting that at least two people required hospitalization for injuries. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney called the incidents deeply concerning and demanded a full, transparent investigation. US Senator Chris Van Hollen stated that ICE operations under the Trump administration are designed to create chaos and fear. Soolah Kemp, a member of the activist group Hagerstown Rapid Response, reported an ICE vehicle speeding towards her and has filed a report with the state attorney general's office. Maryland Governor Wes Moore's office indicated they are working with local leaders to address the events and ensure accountability.