Construction Workers Fleeing ICE Raid Accidentally Trigger Lockdown at CIA Headquarters
FILE - A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer listens during a briefing, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
A surprise immigration raid at a construction site near the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, took an unexpected twist on Wednesday when several workers, fleeing the scene, inadvertently ran toward one of the most secure facilities in the country.
According to sources cited by The New York Times, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrived at the site without warning, causing chaos as workers scattered in different directions. In the panic, some individuals ran toward the CIA’s heavily guarded perimeter, with a few even attempting to scale the agency’s outer fence—only to be met by an even taller barrier surrounding the compound.
The sudden influx of people triggered a temporary lockdown at the CIA campus, leading to a traffic backup and leaving some agency employees stuck outside for over an hour, NBC News reported. ICE reportedly did not notify the CIA in advance, adding to the confusion on the ground.
A CIA spokesperson confirmed that a security incident had occurred and that law enforcement responded accordingly, though no additional details were provided. ICE has yet to issue a public statement.
Officials say none of the workers who fled got near any sensitive areas or posed a threat to agency personnel. Some individuals were detained after crossing fences, but authorities have not disclosed whether they will face any charges. The immigration status of those involved also remains unclear.
It’s uncertain whether the workers realized they were running toward the CIA compound during their escape, underscoring the chaotic nature of the incident.