ICE Agents Hospitalize Asylum Seeker in Baltimore Car Crash, Attorney Alleges
A 32-year-old Honduran man, Ever Alvarenga Rios, was hospitalized with a concussion and significant injuries after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents violently rear-ended his vehicle in Baltimore, according to his attorney and a U.S. senator. The incident occurred on Thursday morning, leaving Rios in hospital under ICE custody with injuries to his head, chest, back, and hands.
Senator Van Hollen Condemns ICE Tactics
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has publicly criticized ICE, stating that after the accident, Rios was detained and ICE is refusing to allow his attorneys to meet with him privately. Van Hollen described this as a clear denial of the due process rights afforded under the Constitution, asserting that ICE tactics are endangering communities and violating constitutional protections.
The senator identified Rios as an asylum seeker who came to the U.S. from Honduras 12 years ago and was in the process of seeking permanent citizenship. This claim contrasts with the Department of Homeland Security's description of Rios as an illegal alien with a final order of removal from a judge.
Conflicting Accounts from DHS and Attorney
The Department of Homeland Security responded to Van Hollen's post, stating that ICE agents conducted a targeted operation to arrest Rios. The agency accused him of driving recklessly and ignoring officers during a vehicle stop, alleging that he slammed on his brakes, causing a multi-car pileup, and attempted to flee on foot while disobeying law enforcement commands.
According to DHS, Rios and two officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment following the incident. However, Rios's attorney, Adam Crandell, who has represented him for several years, says he has been unable to visit his client since the crash. Crandell reported that initially, access was denied due to medical stabilization needs, but the reason later changed to paperwork issues, and more recently, ICE stated that as long as Rios remains hospitalized, access will not be granted.
Baltimore Police Confirm Crash Details
The Baltimore Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a two-vehicle crash just after 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, with one vehicle operated by a Department of Homeland Security officer. Both drivers sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital, according to a department spokesperson.
This incident marks at least the second crash involving federal immigration agents in Maryland within the last week, following an ICE-involved crash in Annapolis on Wednesday where no injuries were reported. The Independent has requested additional comment from Crandell and Homeland Security regarding the ongoing situation.
