Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on April 4 that two of its officers were hospitalized after an attempted arrest of Ever Omar Alvarenga-Rios, a Honduran national with a final order of removal, led to a multi-car accident and subsequent foot chase in Baltimore.
The incident is significant as it highlights the risks faced by law enforcement during targeted operations to apprehend individuals with outstanding removal orders. ICE said that such encounters can endanger not only officers but also the general public.
According to ICE, the officers tried to conduct a vehicle stop on April 2 when Alvarenga-Rios allegedly drove recklessly through city streets before abruptly braking, causing a multi-car pileup. He then attempted to flee on foot and did not comply with commands from law enforcement. ICE stated that their personnel "followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary" to make the arrest. Both Alvarenga-Rios and the two involved officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment, including for concussions. The agency confirmed that Alvarenga-Rios remains in custody at the hospital.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, "This illegal alien broke our laws, resisted arrest, sent two ICE law enforcement officers to the hospital, and endangered the general public. Thankfully both our officers are expected to make a full recovery." Bis further said that recent actions by some politicians have encouraged non-citizens subject to removal orders to evade law enforcement efforts: "This dangerous attempt to resist arrest comes after sanctuary politicians have encouraged illegal aliens to evade arrest by hosting webinars instructing illegal aliens how to avoid being caught. Sanctuary politicians must stop encouraging this reckless behavior that endangers illegal aliens, our officers, and the public."
ICE provided background information stating that Alvarenga-Rios first entered the United States in 2014 and was released under previous federal policy before receiving his final order of removal from an immigration judge in 2018.
The agency also referenced recent webinars and resources distributed by various elected officials aimed at informing undocumented immigrants about how they might avoid detention or deportation efforts.
In conclusion, ICE called for reduced tensions around immigration enforcement activities: "We are once again calling on sanctuary politicians, agitators, and the media to turn the temperature down and stop calling for violence and resistance against ICE law enforcement."
