UPDATE: Federal immigration agents in Maryland opened fire on a moving vehicle during an enforcement operation on Christmas Eve, injuring two individuals, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred around 10:50 AM as agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attempted to apprehend suspects in a white van.
According to the Anne Arundel County Police Department, officers responded quickly to reports of gunfire involving federal agents. Police confirmed that ICE personnel were the only officials who discharged their weapons during the confrontation. The van allegedly attempted to strike the agents, prompting them to open fire. The vehicle ultimately fled but was later located in a nearby forested area.
Both victims are reported to be in the U.S. illegally, as confirmed by Department of Homeland Security officials. Fortunately, neither sustained life-threatening injuries and were transported to medical facilities for treatment. Details on their current custody status remain unclear.
In a statement, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin warned, “Continued efforts to encourage illegal aliens and violent agitators to actively resist ICE will only lead to more violent incidents.” Meanwhile, the FBI is investigating the alleged assault on ICE agents, and Anne Arundel police have initiated their own probe into the shooting.
This incident unfolds amid a broader surge of immigration enforcement actions across the country during the Christmas season, creating an atmosphere of fear for many families. Recent reports indicate that ICE has ramped up operations, with arrests occurring at various locations, including immigration appointments in San Diego, construction sites, and even schools in Chicago.
In a controversial move, ICE has also tripled its incentive for undocumented immigrants to voluntarily self-deport, offering a substantial $3,000 exit bonus through the CBP Home App during the holiday period. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the urgency of this offer, stating, “Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them and they will not return.”
However, some individuals who previously attempted to self-deport have reported not receiving the promised compensation, raising concerns about the efficacy and fairness of ICE’s incentive program, according to reports from The Guardian.
As investigations continue into both the shooting and the immigration enforcement operations, the situation remains fluid. Authorities are expected to release more details in the coming days as they assess the implications of these events on the broader immigration landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent story develops.
