DHS Disputes Claims About Asylum Seeker Crash in Baltimore

Department says illegal immigrant caused multi-vehicle collision while fleeing ICE arrest

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has pushed back on claims by Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., that ICE agents struck an 'asylum seeker' in a crash in Baltimore. DHS says the man is actually an illegal immigrant with a final order of removal who allegedly tried to evade arrest, causing a multi-vehicle collision.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies, with DHS accusing local politicians of encouraging illegal behavior that endangers both immigrants and the public.

The details

According to DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers attempted to arrest the individual, identified as Ever Omar Alvarenga-Rios, a Honduran illegal immigrant with a final order of removal dating back to 2018. When officers conducted a vehicle stop, Alvarenga allegedly failed to comply and 'drove recklessly' through the city, causing a multi-vehicle crash. He then attempted to flee on foot and ignored law enforcement commands, DHS said, adding that the two ICE officers involved were injured and taken to the hospital.

  • On Thursday, ICE officers attempted to arrest Alvarenga in Baltimore.
  • Alvarenga allegedly caused a multi-vehicle crash while trying to evade arrest.

The players

Ever Omar Alvarenga-Rios

A Honduran illegal immigrant with a final order of removal dating back to 2018, who allegedly caused a multi-vehicle crash while trying to evade arrest by ICE officers.

Chris Van Hollen

A Democratic senator from Maryland who posted photos on social media of the man in a hospital bed, describing him as an 'asylum seeker' who was rear-ended by an ICE vehicle.

Lauren Bis

The DHS Acting Assistant Secretary who issued a statement criticizing 'sanctuary politicians' for encouraging illegal behavior that endangers immigrants, officers, and the public.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This illegal alien broke our laws, resisted arrest, sent two ICE law enforcement officers to the hospital, and endangered the general public. Thankfully both our officers are expected to make a full recovery.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary

“Sanctuary politicians must stop encouraging this reckless behavior that endangers illegal aliens, our officers, and the public.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Alvarenga-Rios out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies, with DHS accusing local politicians of encouraging illegal behavior that endangers both immigrants and the public. The case raises questions about the balance between public safety and immigration enforcement, as well as the role of state and local governments in these matters.