The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is refuting allegations made by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) regarding an incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. DHS asserts that the individual in question is an illegal immigrant who caused a vehicle collision while attempting to evade arrest, not an asylum seeker who was assaulted.

Incident Details Released by DHS

According to DHS, the man, identified as Ever Omar Alvarenga Rios, a Honduran national, has a final order of removal dating back to 2018. ICE officers attempted to arrest Alvarenga on Thursday in Baltimore, but he allegedly resisted.

Sequence of Events

DHS reports that Alvarenga failed to comply with law enforcement during a vehicle stop and drove recklessly through the city. He then allegedly slammed on his brakes, causing a multi-vehicle crash. Following the collision, Alvarenga attempted to flee on foot, ignoring instructions from law enforcement.

Use of Force and Injuries

DHS stated that ICE officers followed their training and used the minimum force necessary to effect the arrest. Two officers involved in the incident sustained injuries and were hospitalized. Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis emphasized that Alvarenga broke laws, resisted arrest, and endangered both the public and law enforcement.

Statement from Acting Assistant Secretary Bis

“This illegal alien broke laws, resisted arrest, sent two ICE law enforcement officers to the hospital, and endangered the public,” Bis stated. She also expressed gratitude that the officers are expected to fully recover.

Conflicting Accounts and Political Context

Senator Van Hollen previously shared photographs on social media depicting the man in a hospital bed, characterizing him as an asylum seeker who was rear-ended by an ICE vehicle while on his way to work. He reported that the individual sustained significant injuries to his head, chest, back, and hands and accused ICE of violating his rights by denying him access to legal counsel.

Fox News Digital has contacted Senator Van Hollen’s office for a response to the DHS statements. The conflicting narratives highlight the complexities of immigration enforcement and the differing perspectives surrounding these events.

Need for Investigation

The contrasting accounts underscore the need for an objective investigation to determine the precise sequence of events and assess the actions of all parties involved. Transparency and accountability are crucial to ensuring justice and upholding the rights of both law enforcement and individuals involved.