California Democrats have issued a warning to individuals posing as federal immigration agents.
“We have received reports of individuals looking to take advantage of the fear and uncertainty created by President Trump’s inhumane mass deportation policies. Let me be clear: If you seek to scam or otherwise take advantage of California’s immigrant communities, you will be held accountable,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta told Newsweek in a statement.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta discussing the California Department of Justice’s efforts to protect the rights of the state’s immigrant communities at a news conference at Bernal Heights Branch Library in San Francisco on December… California Attorney General Rob Bonta discussing the California Department of Justice’s efforts to protect the rights of the state’s immigrant communities at a news conference at Bernal Heights Branch Library in San Francisco on December 4, 2024.
Jeff Chiu/AP
Why It Matters
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has ramped up arrests across the country. While many sanctuary cities in California continue to refuse cooperation with federal immigration authorities, the state’s sanctuary laws include exceptions for undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Amid increased enforcement action under Trump’s administration, there has also been a rise in reports of individuals impersonating ICE agents.
What To Know
In response to the rise in scams, Democratic-led states such as California have expanded public outreach efforts. Bonta has offered legal resources to help immigrants understand their rights and guide public institutions in complying with state laws, which are available on his website. These initiatives seek to protect vulnerable communities while ensuring lawful immigration enforcement procedures.
Bonta detailed steps to guard against scams, urging individuals to seek assistance from verified legal aid organizations, such as those listed on lawhelpca.org, which connects immigrants with free, trustworthy legal resources.
Officials also advise against handing over original documents unless officially required, as scammers may withhold them for payment.
If someone claims to be an ICE agent, officials advise verifying their identity. Genuine ICE agents should never request payment. Individuals can ask for official identification and confirm their status by contacting the local ICE field office. Any suspicious activity should be reported to local authorities.
Last month, two men were accused of staging a social media stunt in which they impersonated ICE agents and recorded themselves harassing local businesses.
The Fresno Police Department reported that the individuals wore wigs and black tactical vests with partially obscured lettering, giving the appearance that they said “Police” and “ICE.” The men allegedly confronted people at 11 businesses, with one incident involving them claiming to be conducting an investigation and demanding to see specific business documents.
Authorities arrested the men on February 26 on suspicion of impersonating a police officer, which is a misdemeanor. They were cited and released shortly after.
Last week, ICE officials arrested a man posing as an ICE agent in Utah. Rony Hernandez-Morales was taken into custody on charges of identity fraud and impersonating a peace officer. A photo shared by the agency on X, formerly Twitter, shows the 36-year-old wearing an ICE T-shirt and a badge on his belt.
A jacket resembling those worn by ICE agents has become a bestseller on Amazon, sparking concerns about the potential for impersonation.
What People Are Saying
California Attorney General Rob Bonta told Newsweek: “My office will continue to ensure our laws are fully enforced and the rights of California’s immigrants are respected and protected. I encourage anyone who is the witness to or victim of an immigration scam to report it.”
An ICE spokesperson previously told Newsweek: “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and agents are highly trained and dedicated professionals who are sworn to uphold the law, protect the American people and support U.S. national security interests. ICE strongly condemns the impersonation of its officers or agents. This action is not only dangerous but illegal. Impostors can be arrested for and charged with a criminal offense both at the state and federal level (under 18 USC 912).”
What Happens Next
As Trump has pledged to carry out the largest deportation program in U.S. history, hard-line immigration enforcement operations are expected to continue.
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