The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today condemned reports of violence by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents against community members in Frederick County and called for an immediate, independent investigation into the agents’ conduct.
SEE: Violent ICE encounter in Frederick prompts calls for investigation
According to eyewitness accounts, a confrontation erupted Friday night after residents and advocates gathered near Frederick’s Taskers Chance neighborhood to monitor heightened immigration-enforcement activity. Video reportedly shows federal agents grabbing and pushing demonstrators, including an agent striking a person who was already on the ground. Several people were reportedly injured.
The confrontation followed an extended ICE presence that reportedly left immigrant families afraid to leave their homes, take their children to school or go to work. Residents and volunteers responded by monitoring agents, documenting their movements and helping vulnerable neighbors safely carry out daily activities.
CAIR strongly condemns the disturbing violence captured on video and stands in unwavering solidarity with Frederick’s immigrant families and the courageous community members who mobilized to protect their neighbors.
In a statement, CAIR Maryland Advisory Board Bassant Kadry said:
“Federal agents must not be permitted to terrorize residential neighborhoods, assault people exercising their constitutional rights or operate without transparency and accountability. Striking someone who is already on the ground is an appalling abuse of power that demands a thorough, independent investigation.
“The residents who peacefully monitored ICE activity were standing up for the dignity and safety of their community. They should not have been met with intimidation or violence. We see Frederick, we stand with Frederick, and we will continue showing up. Immigration status does not erase a person’s humanity or constitutional protections. Maryland leaders must make clear that brutality and lawless intimidation will not be tolerated in our state.”
CAIR is calling for a transparent and independent investigation into the conduct of the ICE agents involved, the identification of the agents and agencies that participated in the operation, the preservation and public release of all body-camera footage, vehicle recordings, communications and other relevant evidence, and accountability for any agent found to have used excessive force or violated residents’ constitutional rights.
The civil rights organization is also calling on Maryland’s congressional delegation, state leaders and Frederick officials to prevent similar abuses and protect immigrant communities.
CAIR also urges officials to investigate whether federal agents interfered with lawful observation, recording, protest or other activity protected by the First Amendment.
It encourages residents to learn their rights, safely document suspected misconduct and contact qualified attorneys or trusted legal-service organizations for assistance.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062;
CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, [email protected], 202-744-7726;
CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, [email protected], 202-770-6280