Baltimore Sheriff Investigates ICE Detention Inside Courthouse

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained an individual inside the Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Courthouse in Baltimore, prompting a criminal investigation led by Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Cogen. The ICE agents were reportedly invited to the courthouse by a Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services employee, who is now under investigation and was arrested by sheriff's officials. Baltimore court officials, including Clerk Xavier Conaway, expressed deep concern that such enforcement actions inside courthouses undermine public trust, potentially intimidate immigrant communities, and harm the administration of justice by discouraging witnesses, victims, and litigants from seeking court services. The incident has raised questions about courthouse security, confidentiality of information, and the neutrality of the justice system, especially in sanctuary jurisdictions like Baltimore. Local officials are reviewing internal protocols to prevent future occurrences and to ensure that courthouses remain safe spaces for all individuals regardless of immigration status. ICE has not yet commented on the incident.