Photo 138415583 © Viorel Margineanu | Dreamstime.com

Criminal migrants leads police on high speed drug chase in maryland — Photo 138415583 © Viorel Margineanu | Dreamstime.com

FREDERICK, Md. — A joint operation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office led to the identification and detention of two criminal aliens following a high-speed pursuit and drug seizure, officials said.

“This case is a clear example of how collaboration with local jurisdictions enhances public safety by ensuring that dangerous individuals are properly identified and not released back into our communities,” said ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston.

The operation was conducted under the 287(g) Program, a federal-local partnership that allows deputies to screen individuals for immigration violations. Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, a long-time proponent of the program, has worked with ICE since its inception.

The incident began around 9:20 p.m. on Feb. 20 when Deputy First Class Roush observed a white Nissan van behaving suspiciously near Route 85 and Grove Road. After checking the vehicle’s registration, he discovered it was reported stolen. When he attempted to stop the van, the driver fled, leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit that reached 100 mph on I-270 northbound.

The chase continued through Frederick and Montgomery counties before officers ended the pursuit near Shady Grove Road after the suspect intentionally rammed another vehicle. Maryland State Police Aviation provided aerial surveillance as Montgomery County officers later apprehended four suspects at a Sheetz convenience store.

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