Maryland Democrats staged a sit-in outside a Baltimore ICE facility after being denied entry, prompting DHS to accuse them of political theater. The agency defended its protocols and criticized the lawmakers for prioritizing illegal immigrants over public safety.
Key Facts:
- Sen. Chris Van Hollen and several Maryland Democrats were denied entry to an ICE facility in Baltimore on Monday.
- The lawmakers, including Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and four House members, held a sit-in and press conference after being blocked.
- DHS blasted the group, calling the event a political stunt and citing security concerns and legal protocol for entry.
- Van Hollen has been under fire for supporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran illegal immigrant on trial for human trafficking.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem responded by posting mugshots of criminal illegal aliens and calling Van Hollen’s actions shameful.
The Rest of The Story:
On Monday, a group of Maryland Democrats led by Sen. Chris Van Hollen attempted to enter an ICE detainment facility located inside the Fallon Federal Building in Baltimore.
When denied access, they held a sit-in outside the doors and delivered a press conference accusing ICE of obstructing lawful congressional oversight.
Rep. Kweisi Mfume told a federal employee, “We expect, quite frankly, that we will be allowed entrance,” and later claimed they were forced to “bang on the door” before sitting down in protest.
Rep. Johnny Olszewski echoed frustration on X, saying the group had “followed all legal requirements.”
DHS swiftly rebuked the lawmakers, saying their request did not follow proper procedure and accusing them of exploiting the situation for a photo opportunity.
DHS also noted increased assaults and disruptions caused by political figures as justification for stricter entry requirements.
Secretary Noem intensified the pushback by posting photos of illegal aliens accused of serious crimes, blaming Van Hollen for defending criminals “over American victims.”
Live: Members of Maryland’s congressional delegation aren’t being let in to tour Baltimore ICE detention facility. It looks like a sit-in. pic.twitter.com/mO9Fthcna1
— Jeff Barker (@sunjeffbarker) July 28, 2025
Commentary:
Once again, Chris Van Hollen and his political allies chose grandstanding over governing.
Rather than support law enforcement or victims of violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants, they organized a media stunt and a sit-in. It’s part of a tired routine where outrage is manufactured for social media content, not solutions.
Van Hollen’s defense of a suspected human trafficker, especially one tied to MS-13, sends a clear message: politics comes before public safety. The timing and theatrics of this protest weren’t about policy or oversight—they were about headlines.
Meanwhile, communities continue to suffer real consequences from lax immigration enforcement.
The delegation knew the rules. DHS protocols are in place for security and to protect agency function.
Giving a week’s notice is standard, and DHS even clarified that any request to shorten that time must be approved by the Secretary.
Instead of working through proper channels, they chose to create a spectacle. And let’s not ignore the cost—taxpayer dollars are used to deal with these disruptions, from security to staff time, just so a handful of politicians can accuse ICE of hiding something.
These same lawmakers could be working to support victims of crimes committed by repeat-offender illegals. But they’re not.
This kind of behavior not only weakens enforcement but also strains public trust. Americans see these antics for what they are: distractions.
With crime rising and immigration enforcement under stress, lawmakers should be offering real support to ICE agents, not demonizing them for doing their jobs.
Even within their own base, the fatigue is visible. Polls show weakening support for these performances.
People want safety, not another round of press conferences filled with finger-pointing and slogans.
Ultimately, this event underscores the growing divide between political theatrics and public expectations.
It’s time these lawmakers took their responsibility seriously and put Americans first.
The Bottom Line:
Maryland Democrats attempted to storm an ICE facility for publicity and were denied entry due to security protocols.
DHS responded forcefully, accusing the group of enabling criminals and wasting resources.
Van Hollen’s defense of a human trafficking suspect and support for this protest drew national backlash.
Americans want safety and accountability—not more political showmanship.
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