Maryland Woman Faces Backlash After Allegedly Calling ICE on Workers to Avoid Payment

Washington D.C. A woman in Maryland, USA, is facing intense criticism after allegedly calling federal authorities to arrest immigrant workers she had hired to repair her roof. The incident sparked widespread outrage following a viral video captured by worker Bryan Polanco. The footage shows federal agents waiting for the workers to descend from the roof. Polanco alleges that the homeowner lured them to the job only to have them detained when it was time to pay.

The video also featured another immigrant worker who holds permanent residency status. "We came to build her house, but she betrayed us," he stated. He further claims the woman threatened to call ICE agents again if other immigrant workers arrived to complete the job. 

It is alleged that the woman reported the workers to avoid paying approximately $10,000 for their labor. Conflicting reports exist regarding the timing of the call, with some suggesting ICE was contacted shortly after work began, while others claim it happened near the project's completion. The accused woman, identified as Karen T., denies that she or her father contacted ICE. She expressed concerns for her and her family's safety due to the backlash and threats received on social media.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, stated that if the allegations are proven true, the woman could face legal consequences under Maryland law. Using immigration status as a threat to withhold wages or exploit labor is considered a crime in Maryland, making legal action a possibility if the charges are substantiated. 

Homeowner waits until construction job is nearly finished, then calls ICE on 6 workers she allegedly owes $10,000 to, she even helps agents detain them. pic.twitter.com/jEM9Xw2ZCL

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) March 26, 2026