Residents press Bladensburg leaders for action and transparency after reported ICE activity

Dozens of Bladensburg residents urged the town council on July 13 to take concrete steps to protect immigrants and rebuild trust after reported Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in town.

At the meeting public commenters described agents parking near town facilities and interacting in ways that residents found alarming. "When ICE parks there, it gives the loud impression that the Bladensburg Police Department and the town administration support and welcome ICE into the community," Foster Geddes told the council during the public comment period.

Why it matters: Several speakers said visible ICE presence is eroding trust that makes residents reluctant to report crimes or seek services. Residents requested written policies, earlier implementation of promised measures and a staff community liaison to help residents navigate encounters with federal enforcement.

Anna Greenstone, speaking as a concerned resident, pressed the council for faster action and asked when a document outlining Bladensburg police policies related to immigration encounters would be completed. "We'd like to know, like, what is your goal for when that will be complete?" she asked. Greenstone also cited national reports of deaths in ICE custody to underline urgency.

Town leaders responded that the town’s legal authority is limited. Mayor James stressed the municipal government cannot override state or federal law and warned against actions that could place residents at greater legal risk. Town Administrator Wood said the town will continue to work with the state delegation and reiterated that many measures must align with state policy.

Police Chief Frishkorn told the council the department does not assist ICE with civil immigration enforcement or deportation actions and described only limited interactions when officer safety or humanitarian needs arise. "If we're doing anything with ICE, it's to assist any of the immigrants," the chief said, adding the department will intervene if rights are violated.

Chief Frishkorn also announced a personnel step intended to improve communication: Sergeant Ramirez — a bilingual member of the community action team — will serve as the department’s liaison for immigration-related concerns. "She's bilingual. She speaks Spanish," the chief said, encouraging residents to contact the liaison or dispatch for urgent matters.

State delegation staff at the meeting offered support. Vanessa, chief of staff for Senator Augustine, and Helena, the senator’s community liaison, said the senator’s office will help connect residents with resources and follow up with state agencies.

What’s next: Council members agreed to continue the conversation. The town manager said the administration plans an August meeting to follow up and the work session already scheduled for September will include further discussion. Residents who testified said they will return with proposed policy options.

Claims and responses: Several residents alleged the town or police were effectively collaborating with ICE when agents parked on or near municipal property. Police and town staff disputed any formal collaboration on civil immigration actions and pointed to limits on local authority; leaders pledged increased communication and a liaison to address community concerns.

The meeting record shows no change in formal town policy on immigration at this session; rather, the council and staff committed to additional outreach, an information one-pager and a further review at upcoming meetings.