Reporter removed from anti-ICE rally at Baltimore public library sparks controversy

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A rally against ICE at the Central Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore turned heated on Friday when a reporter attempting to sit in was forcefully removed.

The event was labeled as an open forum; however, the removal of the reporter raised questions about the library’s policies.

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The reporter, Ben Bergquam, recorded the entire incident, which shows him being pushed out by security.

“You have to leave. Based on what? I don’t know,” security said to Bergquam.

Political analyst John Dedie commented on the situation, stating, “There’s certain behaviors you’re supposed to have at a taxpayer-funded place.”

“I think for the library I think what you do is just reinstate what your policies are,” he added.

FOX45 News reached out to the Enoch Pratt Free Library with questions about the event’s public access and the criteria for removing individuals. The library has yet to respond.

In another recent incident, Howard County Councilmember Liz Walsh faced criticism for a social media post alleging ICE activity, which turned out to be a police sting operation by Howard County police.

Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der expressed concern over misinformation, stating it could “impact public safety” and damage “community trust.”

When questioned by FOX45 News’ Mikenzie Frost about the potential risk her post posed to law enforcement, Walsh denied responsibility.

“No, in the past, there, I’ve gotten calls from the chief, not this particular chief, but his predecessor,” she said.

Retired Sgt. Betsy Smith with the National Police Association criticized Walsh’s stance, saying, “I know that if I was either a law enforcement officer or a resident in her area, I would be enraged.”

Smith accused Walsh of prioritizing politics over safety.

“If the councilwoman feels that her job is to protect child molesters and to endanger law enforcement, then I think that her voters need to understand that,” Smith said.