Full Breakdown
ICE-Involved Shooting in Glen Burnie Leaves Two Hospitalized
12/25/2025, 5:56:05 AM
Incident Overview
On December 24, 2025, a shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents occurred in Glen Burnie, Maryland, around 10:51 a.m. The incident unfolded when ICE agents, conducting an enforcement operation, approached a white van driven by Tiago Alexandre Sousa-Martins, an undocumented immigrant from Portugal. According to reports, Sousa-Martins allegedly attempted to run over the agents, prompting them to open fire. The van subsequently accelerated and crashed into a wooded area, resulting in injuries to both Sousa-Martins and his passenger, Solomon Antonio Serrano-Esquivel, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador.
Details of the Shooting
Witness accounts and police statements indicate that ICE agents were conducting a detail in the Parke West neighborhood when they approached the van. As the agents ordered Sousa-Martins to turn off the engine, he allegedly refused and attempted to flee, ramming the vehicle into several ICE vehicles before driving directly at the agents. In response, the agents fired their weapons, striking Sousa-Martins. He was transported to a local hospital in stable condition, while Serrano-Esquivel sustained minor injuries and was also hospitalized.
Official Responses
Maryland Governor Wes Moore acknowledged the incident on social media, stating, "As information surrounding the incident continues to emerge, we will remain in touch with local officials and are standing by to provide support for the community." The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that the ICE agents acted in defense of their lives and public safety, stating, "Our brave officers are risking their lives every day to keep American communities safe by arresting and removing illegal aliens from our streets."
Investigations Underway
The Anne Arundel County Police Department is leading the investigation into the shooting, while the FBI is examining the alleged assault on federal agents. ICE will also conduct an internal investigation through its Office of Professional Responsibility. Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad confirmed that no local police officers were involved in the shooting and that multiple investigations are standard procedure in such incidents.
Community Reaction
Local residents expressed shock at the shooting, particularly given the timing on Christmas Eve. Councilwoman Allison Pickard described Glen Burnie as a diverse community with a significant immigrant population. Eyewitness accounts varied, with some residents noting the presence of children in the area during the incident, raising concerns about public safety.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While most reports agree on the sequence of events leading to the shooting, details regarding the exact circumstances and the actions of the individuals involved remain somewhat inconsistent. Some witnesses claimed that the van was fleeing from ICE agents after an incident at a nearby Walmart, but this has not been confirmed by authorities.
What's Next
As investigations continue, further details about the incident and the individuals involved are expected to emerge. The outcomes of the investigations by the Anne Arundel County Police, the FBI, and ICE will likely influence community discussions regarding law enforcement practices and immigration enforcement in the area.
