Amid the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, there have been multiple reports of individuals impersonating ICE agents, leading to arrests and increasing fear within the migrant community. Three such incidents have been reported.
On January 29, 2025, in South Carolina, Sean-Michael Johnson, 33, was charged with kidnapping and impersonating a police officer after allegedly detaining a group of Latino men. He is not facing hate crime charges, as South Carolina lacks hate crime laws. The alleged incident was recorded by one of the victims, who captured Johnson threatening to send them back to Mexico, taking the driver’s car keys, mocking the victims, and seizing the driver’s cellphone. Johnson bonded out of jail and is scheduled to appear in court next month.
On February 1, 2025, in Philadelphia, a Temple University student was charged in connection with impersonating ICE officers on campus. The 22-year-old student, along with two other suspects, attempted to enter a university residence hall but were denied access. They later identified themselves as ICE agents at a nearby Insomnia Cookies store, wearing black shirts with “Police” on the front and “ICE” on the back. The student was placed on “interim suspension” from the university, along with two other suspects, later identified as current and former students of the university.
On February 2, 2025, in North Carolina, Carl Thomas Bennet, 37, was arrested for allegedly impersonating an ICE officer and sexually assaulting a woman. Bennet reportedly displayed a business card with a badge and threatened to deport the victim if she did not engage in sexual activity with him. He was denied bond and appointed a public defender.
Verify ICE agents
- Official Badge and Identification:
- ICE agents carry a badge and an official identification card. The badge will have the U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal, and the identification card will contain the agents and agency information.
- Always ask to see both the badge and identification.
- Uniform and Appearance:
- ICE officers in uniform typically wear a black jacket or shirt with the word “POLICE” or “ICE” prominently displayed.
- If not in uniform, ask to see their credentials and request verification.
What to do if confronted by people impersonating ICE agents:
- Stay Calm and Be Polite
- Do not panic or engage in an argument, as this can escalate the situation
- Ask for Identification
- Request to see their badge and identification
- Ask for a warrant
- Call Law Enforcement
- If you are unsure whether the individuals are real ICE agents, call to report the situation
- Document Encounter
- Make sure the recording of the interaction (video or audio) with your phone. Make sure the recording includes their appearance, behavior, and any threats or inappropriate actions.
- Note details: Record the date, time, and location of the incident, and make note of the suspects’ physical descriptions and any vehicle they might be driving.
References:
Moshtaghian, Artemis, et. al. “Multiple ICE impersonation arrests made during nationwide immigration crackdown” February 5, 2025.
Griffith, Janelle. Corporon, Christiana. “Men in two states are accused of impersonating ICE officers” February 3, 2025.
Mercer, Oliver. “How To Verify ICE Agents’ Identity” January 26, 2025.
