DHS Responds to Senator’s Claims About Immigrant Incident
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refuted statements made by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) regarding an incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and an immigrant, asserting that the individual in question was not just seeking asylum but was indeed an undocumented immigrant trying to evade arrest.
DHS clarified that the man, identified as Ever Omar Alvarenga Rios, hails from Honduras and has a final removal order dating back to 2018. According to the department, ICE officers attempted to apprehend Alvarenga in Baltimore on Thursday, but he allegedly resisted and attempted to flee.
Reports indicate that Alvarenga didn’t comply when officers attempted to stop him, driving recklessly through the city. During this pursuit, DHS claims he abruptly halted his vehicle, resulting in a multi-vehicle crash.
After the crash, Alvarenga allegedly abandoned his vehicle and did not heed officers’ commands. DHS stated that ICE officers acted within their training and used only the minimal necessary force for the arrest.
Two officers sustained injuries during the incident and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Biss commented on the situation, emphasizing that Alvarenga’s actions endangered the public and put law enforcement at risk. She mentioned that such behavior is often encouraged by politicians who promote sanctuary policies, suggesting that these politicians further complicate matters by advising individuals on how to avoid arrests.
In a social media post, Van Hollen shared a photo of Alvarenga, who, from a hospital bed, described himself as an “asylum seeker” and claimed he was struck by an ICE vehicle while on his way to work.
Van Hollen asserted that the injuries sustained by Alvarenga were significant, affecting his head, chest, back, and hands. The Maryland Democratic Party further criticized ICE for allegedly denying the man access to legal representation following his detention.
