Residents urge Bladensburg council to investigate reported ICE activity on local properties

Three Bladensburg residents raised alarms during public comment on June 8, saying federal immigration agents were observed using municipal and nearby properties as staging areas and asking the town to review any cooperation between local agencies and ICE.

“S. Augustine’s highlights… the Trump administration and ICE are engaging in unconstitutional and illegal actions in Maryland and across the country, engaging in a campaign meant to instill terror in immigrant communities,” resident Susan McCutchen told the council, summarizing concerns raised at recent community meetings and asking the town for a briefing or work session to clarify any local agreements.

Anna Greenstone, a member of the Prince George’s Immigrant Rights Collective, said she and other local residents documented multiple observations between May 20 and June 1 showing ICE agents on Bladensburg- and county-owned property, including the post office parking lot, the international school lot, and near the police department. “It does appear that this is used for staging, planning, resting before or after going out to make arrests,” Greenstone said.

Marlin Cruz, a longtime resident, described the reports as personal and emotional, urged the council to explore municipal tools that can show solidarity with immigrant residents, and said many neighbors fear enforcement activity that can upend families’ lives.

Mayor (title used in meeting) responded that the council would “look at the situation” and gather facts before taking action. “We will get the facts and we will as a body discuss with our professionals that we have on staff and make the right decision,” the mayor said, adding that the council would avoid “performative” steps that could put residents at risk.

Council members and staff agreed to follow up. Town Administrator Mr. Wood said staff would review policies, potentially brief the council in a work session, and confirm the limits of municipal authority — noting that federal land and federal agents can constrain local options. Residents had specifically asked the council to review recent county emergency legislation and any county or municipal practices that affect enforcement access.

What happens next: The council committed to gathering information from staff and legal advisors and to discuss the matter in a future meeting or work session. The council did not adopt any new policy or directive on June 8.

Ending: The council moved on to other agenda items after thanking the public commenters and committing to follow up.