DHS Refutes Claims of Asylum Seeker Assault, Says Illegal Immigrant Caused Crash While Fleeing ICE

Department of Homeland Security says the individual was an illegal immigrant with a final order of removal, not an asylum seeker as claimed by Senator Van Hollen.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:19am

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has pushed back on claims by Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., that ICE agents struck an 'asylum seeker.' DHS says the individual, identified as Ever Omar Alvarenga-Rios, is actually a Honduran illegal immigrant with a final order of removal dating back to 2018 who caused a multi-vehicle crash while trying to evade arrest.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement agencies and politicians over the treatment of undocumented immigrants. The DHS claims the individual was not an asylum seeker, contradicting Senator Van Hollen's account, and accuses the senator of encouraging reckless behavior that endangers both immigrants and law enforcement.

The details

According to DHS, ICE officers attempted to arrest Alvarenga on Thursday in Baltimore, but he allegedly tried to evade arrest. When officers conducted a vehicle stop, Alvarenga allegedly failed to comply and 'drove recklessly' through the city, causing a multi-vehicle crash. Alvarenga then attempted to flee on foot and ignored law enforcement commands. DHS claims 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 individual 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 defending the actions of ICE officers and criticizing 'sanctuary politicians' for encouraging reckless behavior.

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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 DHS says the two ICE officers involved in the incident were injured and taken to the hospital. It's unclear if any further legal action will be taken against Alvarenga.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement agencies and politicians over the treatment of undocumented immigrants. The DHS claims the individual was not an asylum seeker, contradicting Senator Van Hollen's account, and accuses the senator of encouraging reckless behavior that endangers both immigrants and law enforcement.