Maryland Homeowner Allegedly Calls ICE on Immigrant Roofers

On March 25, 2026, a homeowner in Cambridge, Maryland, reportedly called U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on six Guatemalan roofers shortly after they completed nearly three days of work on her property. The homeowner allegedly owed the workers approximately $10,000 for their services. The incident was livestreamed by a coworker, Bryan Polanco, who captured the moment ICE agents arrived to detain the workers while they were still on the roof.

Maryland Homeowner Waits Until Roofers Fix Her Home Before Calling ICE on Them: ‘She Called the Law on Us’NewsweekRaw Story

The video, which garnered significant attention on social media, shows ICE agents arriving at the scene and detaining the workers. Polanco can be heard narrating the events, expressing the workers' distress as they realized they were surrounded by law enforcement. The homeowner reportedly assisted the agents by providing a ladder to facilitate the arrests. The workers were heard shouting in Spanish, expressing their frustration and fear, with one stating, "She called the damn law on us and now we're totally screwed!"

Newsweek

If the allegations are substantiated, the homeowner could face felony charges under Maryland law, which prohibits obtaining labor through threats of notifying law enforcement about a worker's undocumented status. This law also applies to withholding wages. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, noting that they could constitute a felony if proven true.

Newsweek

This incident is part of a larger trend of increased scrutiny and enforcement actions against undocumented workers in the United States, particularly under the policies of the previous Trump administration. Advocates for immigrant rights have raised concerns about the treatment of undocumented workers, who often play crucial roles in various industries, including construction. The fear of deportation can deter these workers from seeking legal recourse for unpaid wages.

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As of now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not released detailed information regarding the arrests. The Cambridge police have also remained silent on the matter. The incident has sparked discussions on social media, with many users expressing outrage over the homeowner's actions and the implications for immigrant workers.

Newsweek

Critics of the homeowner's actions argue that using immigration enforcement as a tool to avoid paying workers is unethical and potentially illegal. The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by undocumented workers, who may be exploited due to their immigration status. Advocates are calling for stronger protections for these workers to ensure they receive fair compensation for their labor.

Newsweek

The situation remains fluid, with potential legal actions against the homeowner pending further investigation. The community and immigrant rights advocates are closely monitoring the developments, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the detained workers.

Newsweek