FBI warns of crooks posing as ICE agents to commit crimes
The FBI has issued a warning about criminals impersonating ICE agents to rob, kidnap and assault victims. AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File
The FBI is warning that criminals across multiple states are impersonating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to commit robberies, kidnappings, and assaults.
A bulletin issued on October 17, first reported by WIRED and obtained by the transparency group Property of the People, details several cases in which offenders identified themselves as immigration agents while wearing shirts or jackets marked with the ICE logo.
According to the FBI, victims have reported being threatened, robbed, kidnapped, and sexually assaulted by individuals posing as federal officers. Incidents have been reported in New York, Florida, and North Carolina.
“Due to the recent increase in ICE enforcement actions across the country, criminal actors are using ICE’s enhanced public profile and media coverage to their advantage to target vulnerable communities,” the FBI said.
Officials say these impersonation scams make it harder for communities to distinguish legitimate law enforcement from criminal activity, putting both civilians and real officers at risk. The FBI is urging local police departments to review identification protocols and reminding the public that impersonating a federal officer carries severe legal penalties.
Retired FBI Special Agent Jason Pack, who served more than 20 years with the bureau, described the criminals behind these schemes as highly manipulative, exploiting fear and confusion.
“Let’s be honest about these crooks,” Pack said. “They hide behind fake badges and phony authority, hoping people will be too scared to ask questions. That kind of behavior tears down public trust and puts real officers in harm’s way.”
Pack emphasized that real federal officers carry both a badge and photo credentials, and they will always present them, especially in non-arrest situations. “Real officers will never ask for money, gift cards, or favors,” he said. “They will not get upset if you ask to verify who they are. They want you to feel safe and know you’re dealing with the real thing.”
He advised the public to stay calm and confirm an officer’s identity before cooperating. “Ask to see both a badge and a photo credential, read the name and agency on the card, and look for marked vehicles and uniformed officers,” Pack said. He added that people can also call the local field office for verification and should never go anywhere alone with someone whose identity they haven’t confirmed.
“Trust your instincts and call 911 or your local police if something feels off,” Pack said. “Real agents and officers will not be upset that you asked; they want everyone to be safe.”
The FBI stressed that impersonation crimes not only endanger victims but also undermine public confidence in law enforcement. “Public trust is what keeps the bond strong between citizens and those sworn to protect them,” Pack said.
The FBI urges anyone approached by a supposed federal officer to check both a badge and credentials, look for marked vehicles, and contact the nearest field office or local police if anything seems suspicious. While the bureau confirmed it shares information with law enforcement agencies, it declined to provide details from the bulletin.
“Our standard practice is not to comment on information we may share with our law enforcement partners,” the FBI said. “However, we regularly share information to assist in protecting the communities we all serve. We encourage the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.”
Fox News Digital reached out to ICE for comment.
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