A growing wave of criminals posing as federal immigration officers has prompted a new and urgent warning from the FBI—an alert aimed particularly at individuals who may be more vulnerable to deception, including immigrants, undocumented residents, and community members with limited familiarity with U.S. law enforcement procedures. As cases continue to surface across the country, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and understand what steps to take if they believe they have been targeted by someone falsely claiming to be a federal agent.
The warning comes as investigators uncover elaborate scams carried out by individuals impersonating officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These impersonators often approach victims with intimidation, fabricated threats of arrest or deportation, or demands for on-the-spot payments. In some cases, they use falsified credentials, fake uniforms, or staged operations meant to mimic official law enforcement procedures.
To better understand the nature of this growing threat, NTD interviewed Randy Sutton, a retired Las Vegas police lieutenant and the founder and chairman of The Wounded Blue, a national organization dedicated to supporting injured and disabled law enforcement officers. Drawing on his decades of experience—including his work creating a specialized investigative unit focused on crimes against the immigrant community—Sutton provided insight into the tactics criminals use and the steps individuals should take to protect themselves.
A Growing Challenge for Immigrant Communities
The FBI’s alert highlights a troubling trend: criminals specifically targeting immigrants because of their perceived vulnerability. Many victims fear any interaction with law enforcement, leaving them less likely to report suspicious encounters. Others may not be fully aware of the limits of ICE’s authority, making them more susceptible to manipulation.
Sutton explained that this is not a new phenomenon. During his career, he recognized that immigrants—especially those who lacked legal status—were frequently targeted by criminals who believed they would be too afraid to seek help. This led him to create the Hispanic American Resource Team, a unit within the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department dedicated to investigating crimes committed against undocumented residents.
According to Sutton, this group had been exploited for years.
“They were being victimized regularly because the criminals knew two things,” he said. “First, these individuals were unlikely to report crimes. Second, most didn’t know what genuine law enforcement interaction looks like. It made them prime targets.”
The patterns he observed decades ago mirror the concerns now prompting the FBI’s broader warning.
The Tactics Behind the Scams
Criminals impersonating ICE agents may use several strategies to manipulate their targets. Among the most common are:
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Showing counterfeit badges or identification cards. These can appear convincing, but often include misspellings, incorrect formats, or low-quality printing.
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Wearing tactical vests, shirts, or hats labeled “ICE” or “POLICE.” Such clothing can be purchased online with ease.
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Demands for immediate payment. Perpetrators may claim to require fines, bond payments, or fees to avoid detention.
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Home visits or staged “raids.” Criminals may knock on doors, present forged paperwork, and threaten arrest.
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Phone scams. Impersonators often call claiming urgent legal problems, insisting the victim must comply immediately to avoid deportation.
The FBI has emphasized that real ICE agents never request money during enforcement activity and would never threaten detention or deportation via phone call.
Sutton reinforced that anyone demanding payment, threatening immediate arrest, or refusing to provide official contact information should be treated as a likely impostor.
Why Criminal Impersonation is Rising
According to Sutton, several factors contribute to the rise of these scams.
First, the proliferation of online marketplaces makes it easier than ever to obtain fake law enforcement gear. Badge replicas, tactical clothing, and even imitation government documents can be bought with little oversight.
Second, social media has enabled criminals to identify potential targets, monitor community groups, and spread misinformation.
Third, political rhetoric and confusion surrounding immigration enforcement have created an atmosphere of fear, making victims more susceptible to coercion.
Finally, Sutton notes that many immigrants believe contacting the police could lead to their own detainment, a misconception criminals exploit.
“It’s the fear that keeps people silent,” Sutton said. “And silence gives criminals power.”
What Victims Should Do
The FBI urges individuals who believe they have encountered a false ICE agent to follow a series of steps designed to protect their safety and preserve evidence for investigators.
1. Do Not Comply with Demands
Under no circumstances should someone provide money, personal information, or access to their home unless the situation has been verified as legitimate. True ICE agents follow specific procedures and do not demand on-the-spot payments.
2. Ask for Identification
Anyone claiming to be a federal agent must present official credentials. These include a badge and a photo identification card. If the credentials appear suspicious—or the individual refuses to provide them—the person should leave immediately or close the door and contact local authorities.
3. Contact ICE Directly
ICE has a hotline that can verify whether an enforcement action is legitimate:
1-866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423).
If the person claiming to be an ICE agent is present, call this number while they wait. A real agent will not object.
4. Call Local Police
Even if someone lacks legal status, they are still protected under U.S. law. Local police departments typically do not ask victims or witnesses about immigration status. Reporting suspicious activity helps protect the entire community.
5. Document Everything
The FBI encourages victims to record details such as:
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appearance of the impersonator
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vehicle description
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license plate numbers
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dialogue exchanged
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photos or video if safely possible
This information can be vital for investigators.
The Emotional Toll on Victims
Beyond financial loss or fear of deportation, being targeted by impersonators can leave deeper psychological impacts. Victims often experience anxiety, mistrust of authorities, or reluctance to engage in community life.
Sutton says the emotional fallout is significant.
For many immigrants, their primary goal is to strengthen their family’s stability and safety. Being deceived, threatened, or extorted by someone they believe to be a government official undermines that sense of security.
“It shakes their entire foundation,” he said. “And it makes them less willing to seek help in the future—exactly what these criminals want.”
How Law Enforcement Is Responding
The FBI’s warning signals a broader push to address the issue. Agencies are increasing coordination, sharing intelligence, and expanding community outreach efforts. This includes partnerships with nonprofit groups, local police departments, and organizations working directly with immigrant communities.
Public awareness campaigns—conducted in multiple languages—also aim to empower victims before they are targeted.
Sutton believes that these efforts are crucial but emphasizes that community trust remains the most important tool.
“When people believe that law enforcement is there to protect them, not punish them, the criminals lose their advantage,” he said.
A Call for Vigilance
As impersonation schemes grow more sophisticated, federal officials say the public must remain attentive. The FBI’s message is clear: no one should feel powerless when confronted by individuals claiming to represent a government agency.
Sutton offered a final piece of advice for anyone uncertain about the legitimacy of an encounter:
“If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Ask questions. Verify. Real law enforcement isn’t offended by caution—they expect it.”
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
