U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported on Apr. 7 that two of its officers were sent to the hospital following an attempted arrest in Baltimore on April 2. The incident involved Ever Omar Alvarenga-Rios, a Honduran national with a final order of removal from a federal immigration judge.
The event is significant as it highlights the risks faced by law enforcement during targeted operations and raises concerns about public safety during such encounters.
According to ICE, officers tried to stop Alvarenga-Rios’s vehicle as part of a targeted operation. Instead of complying, he allegedly drove recklessly through city streets before abruptly braking, causing a multi-car collision. He then reportedly fled on foot and continued to ignore law enforcement commands before being apprehended using what ICE described as “the minimum amount of force necessary.” Both Alvarenga-Rios and the two ICE officers involved were taken to a local hospital for treatment, including for concussions. Alvarenga-Rios remains hospitalized in ICE custody.
ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins said, “Our officers displayed exceptional training and professionalism in bringing a dangerous situation under control after an illegal alien chose to recklessly evade law enforcement. Any claims that the alien in custody was denied access to his family or legal counsel are completely false.” Liggins also addressed criticism from some Maryland politicians: “It is deeply concerning that some Maryland politicians continue to push a narrative that misrepresents how our agency operates… We remain committed to the mission, and we will continue to prioritize public safety over politics.”
ICE stated that Alvarenga-Rios first entered the United States in 2014 and was released under the Obama administration. In 2018, he received a final order of removal but did not leave the country.
The agency linked this incident with recent actions by elected officials who have provided resources advising undocumented immigrants on how to respond during ICE encounters. According to ICE, these include webinars hosted by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez offering tips for avoiding arrests; online videos from Dan Goldman urging immigrants to plan for possible encounters; flyers from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; and guides issued by California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding sanctuary laws.
ICE said it has seen an increase in threats against its personnel: an 8,000% rise in death threats and more than a 1,300% increase in assaults against officers.
