2 injured after shooting during ICE operation in Maryland, DHS says

On the morning of December 24, 2025, a routine federal immigration enforcement operation in Glen Burnie, Maryland, turned violent when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fired at a vehicle they said posed an immediate threat. The incident, which unfolded around 10:50 a.m. in a residential neighborhood just south of Baltimore, left two people wounded and raised questions about operational risk, community safety, and oversight of federal enforcement actions.

Local law enforcement and federal officials provided a cautiously worded account of the events. According to the Anne Arundel County Police Department, ICE agents were conducting a targeted immigration enforcement operation when they approached a white van. Officials said the driver refused to comply with instructions, rammed ICE vehicles, and then turned the van toward the agents. In response, the agents fired at the moving vehicle. The van continued a short distance before coming to rest in a wooded area behind nearby homes.

Anne Arundel County police said they were not directly involved in the shooting itself but responded to reports of gunfire and secured the scene. County authorities later assumed responsibility for investigating the shooting. At the federal level, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is reviewing whether an assault on federal agents occurred during the encounter, while ICE has launched an internal review to determine whether its officers followed agency policy.

Officials said neither of the two injured individuals suffered life-threatening wounds. The driver, who was struck by gunfire, was transported to a hospital and listed in stable condition. A second individual associated with the vehicle sustained minor injuries when the van crashed and was also taken to a medical facility for treatment.

The Department of Homeland Security said both individuals were in the United States without legal authorization. Authorities have not publicly identified either person, and it remained unclear in the immediate aftermath whether formal arrests had been completed during the operation.

The shooting took place in a quiet suburban area and on Christmas Eve, a time typically associated with family gatherings and community activities. The timing and location unsettled some residents, who expressed concern about an armed federal operation unfolding in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Others acknowledged that law enforcement officers can face unpredictable and dangerous situations, particularly when suspects resist arrest or attempt to flee.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued a brief statement acknowledging the incident and said state officials were monitoring developments closely. State and local authorities emphasized that the area had been secured and that investigations were ongoing to establish a clear and accurate account of what occurred.

The Glen Burnie incident occurred amid continued national debate over immigration enforcement and the role of ICE in interior operations. In 2025, federal authorities have pursued a more active enforcement posture focused on individuals living in the country without legal status. That approach has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, advocacy organizations, and community leaders concerned about its impact on public trust, civil liberties, and neighborhood safety.

Supporters of stronger enforcement argue that federal agencies have a responsibility to uphold immigration law and protect officers carrying out their duties. They contend that agents must be able to respond decisively when confronted with actions they perceive as threatening. Critics counter that enforcement actions should be carefully planned and coordinated, particularly in residential areas, to reduce the risk of violent confrontations and unintended harm to bystanders.

The shooting underscores the inherent risks of law enforcement operations, especially those involving moving vehicles and resistance during arrest attempts. Such encounters leave little margin for error and demand clear rules of engagement, disciplined decision-making, and strong oversight. As the FBI and local authorities continue their investigations, they will seek to reconstruct the sequence of events, assess whether established protocols were followed, and determine whether changes to training or policy are warranted.

In the days ahead, officials are expected to release additional information as interviews are conducted and available footage is reviewed. Clear and transparent communication will be critical to maintaining public confidence in the institutions involved. While the physical injuries in this case were not fatal, the broader questions raised by the incident—about enforcement practices, accountability, and public safety—are likely to persist as the investigations move forward.