Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor and Police Chief Kevin Meyer voiced concerns over the conduct of federal immigration agents during a confrontation with protesters outside a residence in Frederick last Friday night. Videos of the incident show U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents using batons against protesters, including striking a person on the ground and physically dragging another away from the front door.
O’Connor criticized the agents’ tactics, saying that if his city’s police officers behaved in a similar manner, he would be displeased. He described the protesters as generally peaceful but acknowledged they were obstructing agents’ efforts to enter the residence. “To me, it’s evidence of a lack of discipline on the part of these agents to know how to get people to do what they want them to do without having to resort to force,” O’Connor said. He suggested that the use of force indicated a training breakdown.
Police Chief Meyer echoed the mayor’s assessment after reviewing the videos and Frederick Police Department (FPD) body-camera footage. He described the protesters’ behavior as “passive resistance,” noting that no physical attacks were caught on video prior to officers intervening. Meyer also mentioned that he did not hear any warnings given by ICE similar to what FPD officers typically provide before making arrests for obstruction.
ICE defended its actions related to the operation, stating that resisting officers and fleeing from arrest is dangerous and may constitute a federal crime. The agency said the operation originated from a vehicle stop on Thursday, during which a man evaded arrest. The following night, ICE agents attempted to locate the individual at a residence, leading to the confrontation with protesters.
Requests for additional information from ICE regarding the use of batons, the presence of a warrant, and other operational details went unanswered. The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on specifics, citing the sensitive nature of potential investigations.
Frederick police previously reported that protesters physically blocked federal agents from entering the residence. Several people at the scene were injured but declined medical treatment. The mayor emphasized that any use of force by law enforcement should be subject to review and investigation, particularly with regard to weapons deployment.
The Frederick Police Department conducts reviews on all use-of-force incidents involving its own officers and can investigate complaints from the public. However, no formal complaints were filed related to ICE’s conduct during the event, although officers at the scene heard expressions of concern from bystanders.
Meyer, who assumed the role of police chief in August, confirmed that ICE informed the local police that federal agents were in the neighborhood searching for the individual who had escaped arrest the previous day. This information aimed to clarify earlier confusion among local officials regarding the federal presence.
Mayor O’Connor highlighted the difficulties posed by limited communication between federal agents and local authorities, noting it hinders the city’s ability to assure residents about safety and future developments. “I would love to be able to reassure my residents it’s safe, but I don’t know what this agency is going to do,” he said.