A viral video showed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining several workers on a residential roof in Cambridge, Maryland. The incident has sparked widespread outrage online.
The six workers were reportedly Guatemalan men hired for a roofing and remodeling job worth about $10,000. They were on the property when federal immigration agents arrived.
This moment was broadcast live for about 30 minutes by a co‑worker, identified as Bryan Polanco, who held permanent residency in the U.S. and was not detained.
Polanco described what he saw, saying, “Seeing it is not the same as experiencing it. I’ve seen many videos, and sadly today I had to experience it.” Videos show agents surrounding the house while workers are instructed to come down.
Social media users and advocacy groups claimed the homeowner called ICE to avoid paying the bill before the job was finished. Legal experts note that under Maryland law, using immigration enforcement to coerce or avoid paying workers could be considered a felony.
ICE has not officially confirmed the homeowner as the source of the tip, and no criminal charges have been reported so far. Authorities say the operation was part of ongoing enforcement efforts.
@nowthisimpact A homeowner in Cambridge, Maryland, reportedly called ICE on six Guatemalan workers after hiring them for a remodeling job. It’s unclear if she called ICE to avoid paying the workers what they were owed — a practice that has become more common since Trump’s second term began. The arrests were broadcast live for about 30 minutes by a co‑worker, identified as Bryan Polanco. ‘Seeing it is not the same as experiencing it. I’ve seen many videos, and sadly today I had to experience it,’ Polanco said. (via @El Guanaco Sv)
The footage and accusations have ignited debate over labor rights, immigration enforcement, and how such situations should be handled when workers and homeowners interact.
