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A 32-year-old man sustained serious injuries, including a concussion, following a collision with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Baltimore, as reported by his attorney and a U.S. senator.
Ever Alvarenga Rios was reportedly “violently rear-ended” by ICE personnel on Thursday morning, according to his lawyer, who spoke with WMAR-2 News. Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has stated that Rios was admitted to the hospital with significant injuries affecting his head, chest, back, and hands.
In a post on social media, Van Hollen expressed concern over the situation, noting that Rios was taken into custody post-accident, with ICE denying his attorney access for a personal visit. He emphasized that this action constitutes a violation of the due process rights guaranteed by the Constitution, asserting, “ICE’s tactics are endangering our communities and are unconstitutional.”
Describing Rios as an asylum seeker originally from Honduras, Van Hollen reported that Rios has been in the U.S. for twelve years in pursuit of permanent residency.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to the senator’s comments by stating that ICE agents were engaged in a “targeted operation” to apprehend Rios, labeling him as “an illegal alien from Honduras who has received a final order of removal from a judge.”
According to DHS, Rios was charged with driving recklessly and failing to comply with law enforcement commands during a traffic stop. The agency claims Rios abruptly slammed on his brakes, precipitating a multi-vehicle accident, and attempted to flee on foot.
Both Rios and two police officers involved in the incident were transported to a local hospital for treatment. His wife, Rubin Vasquez, informed reporters that he suffered a concussion and fractures, necessitating his arm to be placed in a cast.
Attorney Adam Crandell, who has represented Rios for several years, reported difficulties in visiting his client post-incident. Initially advised that medical concerns required stabilization before visitations, Crandell later learned of changing explanations regarding paperwork and restrictions imposed by ICE.
The Baltimore Police Department confirmed they were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash involving a DHS employee shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. A spokesperson noted both drivers were injured and subsequently taken to a nearby hospital.
This incident marks at least the second vehicular collision involving federal immigration agents in Maryland in the past week, as another crash involving ICE personnel was reported in Annapolis without injuries.
The Independent has sought further comments from both Crandell and the Department of Homeland Security regarding this ongoing situation.
