2 arrested after fleeing ICE agents during chase into the Potomac River

WASHINGTON (7News) — Two people were arrested by U.S. Immigration officials after leading them on a chase near a portion of the Potomac River in Montgomery County, Maryland, on Wednesday, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Officials said the two people were from Mexico and entered the country illegally and was taken into custody pending deportation. Officials said a third person swam across the Potomac and remains at large.

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7News spotted U.S. Park Police, ICE, and Montgomery County police near Lock 10 of the C&O Canal and the Clara Barton Parkway. Park Police at the time said the incident stemmed from “commercial vehicle enforcement” on the Clara Barton Parkway alongside federal agents.

At some point, officials said three people got out of a vehicle and ran away.

Montgomery County Police officials said officers were on the scene to provide emergency support if needed but left shortly after.

In a statement from ICE, officials reiterated a desire for those in the U.S. illegally to self deport.

“Being in detention is a choice. We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.”