Maryland officials urge safe Fourth of July celebrations, back public fireworks displays

BALTIMORE, MD—As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Maryland fire officials and public safety partners are urging residents to prioritize safety by attending licensed, professional fireworks displays rather than using consumer fireworks. The Office of the State Fire Marshal, joined by the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, have announced that 139 public fireworks displays are scheduled across […]

ICE arrests MS-13 gang member in Maryland after four prior deportations

BALTIMORE, MD—U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a 20-year-old Salvadoran national and validated MS-13 gang member in Frederick, Maryland, on May 27, marking his fifth apprehension after four previous deportations, ICE officials said. Moises Alberto Figueroa-Bonilla, who is illegally present in the U.S., was taken into custody at his residence, according to ICE. The agency described Figueroa as a threat […]

Governor Moore slams Trump’s budget proposal as ‘fiscal sabotage’

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore on Friday slammed President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. The White House on Friday unveiled a stripped down version of its budget proposal for FY 2026. In a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought announced that the president’s budget would reduce base nondefense […]

Former Harford County Sheriff’s Office detective facing federal charges for sexual exploitation of two minors

BALTIMORE, MD—A former detective with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office is facing federal charges relating to the sexual exploitation of two children. A federal grand jury has indicted Ryan Christopher Hall, 50, of Woodstock, Maryland, charging him with sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child sexual abuse material. Hall is a former domestic violence detective who served 27 […]

High-ranking MS-13 leader arrested in Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD—A high-ranking leader in the MS-13 transnational terrorist organization was arrested in Hyattsville, Maryland last month, according to authorities. David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman, 27, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI on February 27, 2025. He is charged in his home country with possession of firearm, extortion, and terrorist affiliation, ICE said in a press […]

Maryland AG Brown joins coalition against organized retail crime

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has joined a bipartisan coalition of 38 states and territories urging Congress to pass legislation addressing the rise of organized retail crime. The coalition highlighted the significant financial losses and impact on consumers and businesses caused by this growing problem. Organized retail crime, which includes cargo theft and other forms of coordinated criminal activity […]

Maryland MVA launches app for businesses to accept mobile IDs for age verification

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has launched a new mobile app, Mobile ID Check by MD, enabling businesses to accept mobile driver’s licenses and identification cards for age verification. The free app, available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, aims to provide a secure and convenient way for businesses to verify […]

ERO Baltimore arrests Honduran national convicted of assaulting a Maryland resident

BALTIMORE, MD—Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore apprehended an unlawfully present 26-year-old Honduran national convicted of assaulting a Maryland resident. Officers with ERO Baltimore arrested Evin Obdulio Ponce-Guillen on September 19 in Waldorf. “Evin Obdulio Ponce-Guillen unlawfully entered the United States, made his way to Maryland, and then victimized one of the members of our community,” said ERO Baltimore acting Field […]