Immigration Detainee Hospitalized After Crash Involving ICE Agents in Baltimore

Ever Alvarenga Rios, a 32-year-old asylum seeker from Honduras who arrived in the U.S. 12 years ago, was involved in a vehicle collision with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Baltimore on Thursday morning. , Rios sustained a concussion and significant injuries to his head, chest, back, and hands.

He has been hospitalized and remains under ICE custody. Rios was in the process of applying for permanent citizenship at the time of the incident.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, stated that agents were conducting a targeted operation to arrest Rios, described as an undocumented immigrant from Honduras with a final order of removal issued by a judge. DHS reported that Rios drove recklessly, ignored officers during a vehicle stop, slammed on his brakes causing a multi-car pileup, and attempted to flee on foot while disobeying commands.

Following the crash, Rios and two ICE officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to DHS.

Rios' wife, Lurbin Vasquez, told The Baltimore Banner that her husband had a concussion, his arm in a cast, and was experiencing pain. His attorney, Adam Crandell, who has represented Rios for several years, said he has been unable to visit his client since the incident.

Crandell reported initial explanations from ICE that Rios needed medical stabilization before visitors, followed by changes citing paperwork issues and, most recently, a policy barring access while hospitalized.

Senator Van Hollen stated on social media that after the accident, Rios was detained and ICE has refused to allow his attorneys private meetings, which he described as a denial of due process rights. m. on Thursday, noting one vehicle was operated by a DHS officer and both drivers were injured and hospitalized.

No further details on the crash cause were provided by local police.