Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended two adults on a public school campus in southeast Baltimore on Thursday, according to confirmations from both school and city officials.
The arrests have sparked considerable outrage among city and state leaders, particularly in light of an emergency bill enacted in May that prohibits ICE operations in sensitive locations, including public schools.
The incident, which was recorded on video, occurred during a kindergarten graduation ceremony at Commodore John Rogers Elementary and Middle School. School representatives noted that the agents’ actions disrupted an event meant to celebrate young children.
After the arrests, federal agents departed the scene. School officials stated they are collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the detainment, while school activities continued uninterrupted.
DHS alleges resistance during apprehension
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that Jesús Acevedo-Sanchez “refused lawful commands,” violently resisted arrest, and attempted to evade law enforcement by using his vehicle, which reportedly resulted in ICE officers being dragged in the process. The agency indicated that Acevedo-Sanchez had a previous history of evading law enforcement, including an alleged collision with an ICE vehicle in April.
He is facing federal charges for resisting and obstructing a federal officer, as well as for destruction of government property. Additionally, a second undocumented immigrant, who was a passenger in his vehicle, is being charged with assault on a federal officer.
Officials have confirmed that the children involved in the incident were safely placed in the care of their aunt following the arrests.
Maryland Senate President addresses the incident
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, in a video shared across social media platforms, recounted that the family drove onto the school grounds while being pursued by ICE agents. He described a chaotic scene in which children screamed from the back seat as the adults were forcibly removed from the vehicle, while educators ensured the safety of other children present during the ordeal.
“We don’t know what will happen to the young children involved, but we are committed to ensuring they receive the resources they need,” Ferguson stated. He emphasized the need for families to feel secure, asserting, “If families don’t feel safe, nothing else matters.” He pledged to continue fighting against what he termed a lawless regime that endangers school children and their families.
Baltimore Mayor condemns ICE actions
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has also spoken out against ICE’s actions, describing them as “alarming incidents.” In a statement, he reiterated that such enforcement activities are unwelcome in Baltimore, emphasizing that the presence of ICE does not contribute to public safety. Instead, he argued, it fosters fear and anxiety within immigrant communities.
Governor expresses concern over ICE’s conduct
Maryland Governor Wes Moore characterized both the video footage and the events as “very disturbing.” He remarked that schools should be safe havens for children, free from the fear and unpredictability associated with federal enforcement actions. Governor Moore’s administration has reached out to ICE to seek clarification on their presence during school hours and to understand what steps will be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“While Maryland is dedicated to collaborating with federal law enforcement to enhance community safety, terrorizing children and separating families in front of schools only serves to undermine trust in public institutions,” he added.
Local residents voice their concerns
Local teacher Abby Carpenter expressed her dismay over the incident, stating, “It’s not just traumatizing for the family; it’s traumatic for the children around them.” Residents have echoed her sentiments, stating that the timing of the arrests—during a pre-K graduation ceremony—was particularly troubling. “It’s infuriating to think about what occurred,” Carpenter lamented. “Who are they really protecting in this situation?”
