The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the “reckless” actions of a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Hyattsville, during which a firearm was reportedly dropped during a chaotic arrest and pointed toward innocent bystanders, including families on their way to school and work.
SEE: Community outrage after ICE arrest in Maryland turns chaotic
The incident has sparked widespread alarm in the community and drew strong rebuke from Delegate Ashanti Martinez, Chair of the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus. Video clips and witness accounts of the incident have circulated widely, raising concerns about the safety of immigrant and minority communities in Prince George’s County.
CAIR Maryland calls on state and federal leaders to investigate the incident and ensure that these types of incidents do not endanger Maryland communities again.
In his public statement, Del. Martinez said in part:
“Our community deserves safety and accountability, not reckless behavior by federal law enforcement that endangers lives. This incident highlights the dangers of Trump’s out-of-control immigration enforcement, which erode public trust, instill fear, and put every resident at risk.”
CAIR Maryland echoed these concerns, stressing the urgent need for oversight and accountability.
“ICE has once again shown a blatant disregard for community safety, recklessly endangering Maryland families,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “No one should ever fear being caught in the crosshairs of a federal agency’s negligence in this way. This is not law enforcement – this is intimidation and abuse of power. We stand with our Latino partners in demanding accountability, oversight, and change.”
She said CAIR remains committed to protecting immigrant and minority communities from reckless and discriminatory enforcement actions. Maryland must remain a welcoming state where all families are treated with dignity, safety, and respect.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com