ICE Officers Shoot Van Driver Who Ramming Them in Baltimore Suburb

In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, ICE officers in Glen Burnie, Maryland fired their weapons at a van driver who drove his vehicle into them, sparking a crash that injured a passenger.

Incident Overview

Federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were conducting a targeted operation in the Baltimore suburb of Glen Burnie, Md., when they approached a van and asked the driver, identified as Tiago Alexandre Sousa-Martins, to turn off the engine.

Driver’s Refusal and Threats

When Sousa-Martins refused to comply, he threatened to harm the agents. The DHS statement notes that the driver “refused and attempted to flee, then weaponized his vehicle and began ramming his van into several ICE vehicles. He then drove his van directly at ICE officers, attempting to run them over.”

Defensive Fire

Fearing for their lives and public safety, the ICE officers defensively fired their service weapons, striking the driver. The DHS statement continues: “Fearing for their lives and public safety, the ICE officers defensively fired their service weapons, striking the driver.”

Crash and Passenger Injury

After being struck, Sousa-Martins wrecked his van between two buildings, injuring the passenger. Both the driver and the passenger were transported to a local hospital, where they are expected to recover.

ICE Officers’ Condition

The ICE officers involved in the incident reported no severe injuries. No additional injuries were mentioned in the DHS statement.

Legal Status of Individuals

The DHS clarified that both the driver and the passenger are living in the country illegally. The incident is currently under investigation.

Key Points from the DHS Statement

• The operation was targeted and took place in Glen Burnie, Md.
• The driver was identified as Tiago Alexandre Sousa-Martins.
• The driver refused to stop the engine and threatened agents.
• The driver used his van as a weapon, ramming ICE vehicles.
• ICE officers fired defensively, striking the driver.
• The van crashed, injuring the passenger.
• Both individuals were taken to a local hospital.
• ICE officers sustained no severe injuries.
• The driver and passenger are illegal residents.
• The incident is under investigation.

What the DHS Report Highlights

The Department of Homeland Security’s statement provides a concise narrative of the events, detailing the driver’s refusal, the use of the vehicle as a weapon, the officers’ defensive response, and the resulting injuries. It also confirms the legal status of the individuals involved and the ongoing investigation.

Summary of the Sequence of Events

1. ICE officers approached a van in Glen Burnie, Md.
2. The driver, Tiago Alexandre Sousa-Martins, was asked to turn off the engine.
3. He refused, threatened to harm agents, and attempted to flee.
4. He weaponized the van, ramming ICE vehicles and then driving directly at officers.
5. ICE officers fired defensively, striking the driver.
6. The van crashed between two buildings, injuring the passenger.
7. Both driver and passenger were taken to a local hospital.
8. ICE officers reported no severe injuries.
9. The driver and passenger are illegal residents.
10. The incident remains under investigation.

## Key Takeaways

• ICE officers in Glen Burnie, Md., shot a driver who used his van as a weapon during a targeted operation.
• The driver’s refusal and threats prompted a defensive response from federal agents.
• A crash injured the passenger, but ICE officers sustained no severe injuries.

The incident underscores the tensions that can arise during immigration enforcement operations and highlights the potential for violent confrontations when drivers refuse compliance. The Department of Homeland Security’s statement serves as the official record of the events, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and subsequent crash.