Rep. April McClain Delaney calls for full investigation into ICE operation in Frederick

U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney is calling for a full investigation into federal immigration enforcement activity in Frederick after a confrontation between federal agents and protesters outside a home in the Taskers Chance area.

McClain Delaney, who represents Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, said reports that federal officers used force against Frederick residents were “deeply concerning” and said the community deserves answers about what happened. Her office said it has been monitoring the situation and communicating with local elected officials, community leaders and public-safety officials.

The confrontation followed several days of reported federal immigration enforcement activity near Stoneybrook Court and Schaffer Drive.

According to accounts from residents, local officials and video reviewed by news organizations, protesters gathered outside a residence Friday night as federal agents approached. Some demonstrators linked arms and positioned themselves in front of the home, while federal agents pushed through the group as they attempted to enter.

Frederick Police later said local officers understood that federal agents were attempting to execute a warrant, but city officers did not personally see the warrant and could not say what type of warrant it was or what authority it provided.

Several people at the scene reported injuries following the confrontation. Frederick Police offered medical assistance, but those who reported injuries declined treatment. No arrests, citations or detentions were made by Frederick Police.

City Council Vice President Katie Nash and City Council President César Díaz, who were at the scene, both described seeing people pushed or pulled away from the entrance. Nash also said protesters were intentionally attempting to block the agents from entering the home.

Questions have also been raised about federal vehicles reportedly driving onto sidewalks and grass while residents and observers were nearby.

Frederick Police said federal vehicles appeared to have been driven onto a sidewalk before city officers arrived, though officers did not personally witness anyone being forced to jump out of the way.

Local police emphasized that they do not have authority over federal agents or federal immigration operations. Their role, the department said, was to protect life and property, maintain public safety, safeguard constitutional rights and prevent additional confrontations.

Both Nash and residents at the scene credited Frederick officers with helping de-escalate the situation once more city officers arrived.

McClain Delaney’s call for an investigation now adds federal scrutiny to an incident that had already drawn concern from Frederick residents and local officials.

In her statement, the congresswoman said residents should not feel afraid to leave their homes or unsafe in their neighborhoods, and said federal law-enforcement agencies have a responsibility to carry out their duties lawfully and safely.

Several key questions remain unanswered, including the exact nature of the warrant federal agents were attempting to execute, why force was used, whether anyone was detained by federal agents and why vehicles were driven onto sidewalks during the operation.

McClain Delaney said she will continue working with local leaders, law enforcement and community organizations as those questions are examined.