A roofing job in Maryland has become the center of a viral controversy after a video circulating online claimed a homeowner reported migrant workers to immigration authorities after they nearly completed work on her home.
According to the widely shared video, a woman in Maryland allegedly hired a group of Guatemalan immigrants to replace her roof and then contacted federal authorities to have them detained before paying for the job. The claim quickly gained traction on social media, fueling outrage and debate.
Homeowner waits until construction job is nearly done—then calls ICE on 6 of her own workers.
Woman even provides the ladder used by agent to detain men—who she owes $10,000 for 3 day job.
“She called the damn law on us and now we’re totally screwed!” men yell in Spanish. “They… pic.twitter.com/eodDk6RaLf
— LongTime🤓FirstTime👨💻 (@LongTimeHistory) March 26, 2026
However, officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) say the viral narrative is false.
In a statement provided to media outlets, an ICE spokesperson said the arrests were part of a “targeted enforcement operation,” not the result of a tip from a homeowner.
“On March 23, ICE conducted targeted enforcement operations near Cambridge, Maryland, resulting in the arrest of six illegal aliens,” the spokesperson said. “Of those arrested, several have final orders of removal, a felony, and one has been previously convicted of illegal reentry.”
Authorities added that during the encounter, the individuals allegedly refused to comply with lawful orders, taunted officers, and attempted to flee before ultimately being taken into custody.
The incident gained further attention after a roughly 30-minute video of the arrests was released online on March 26, intensifying speculation about the circumstances leading up to the enforcement action.
ICE also used the opportunity to reiterate its stance on immigration enforcement, encouraging individuals in the country illegally to voluntarily depart using the CBP Home App. According to the agency, those who choose to self-deport may receive financial assistance and travel accommodations.
The agency emphasized that failure to do so could result in arrest and removal without the opportunity to legally return to the United States in the future.
At this time, there is no evidence supporting the claim that the Maryland homeowner reported the workers to authorities in order to avoid paying for the roof.
