Latrance Battle, a 52-year-old resident of Florida, was apprehended after posing as an agent from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to kidnap her ex-partner's wife. Authorities revealed that she used an ICE-branded t-shirt, a portable radio, and a fake ID to deceive the victim, who is currently undergoing immigration legalization.
Deceptive Use of Authority
Although the authorities have recently disclosed the incident, the kidnapping took place on April 10 in Panama City, Bay County, located in northwest Florida. On the day of the event, Battle approached the hotel chain where the victim worked, donning a black t-shirt with "ICE" emblazoned on the front. The Bay County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) reported that Battle also carried a portable radio and presented "a business card from the Sheriff's Office," pretending to be a federal agent.
The official BCSO report stated, "the suspect instructed the victim to accompany her," and "driven by fear, the victim got into the vehicle and went with Latrance willingly." The victim expressed that "at that moment, she genuinely believed Latrance was an ICE agent," partly due to her pending immigration status.
From Alleged Arrest to Kidnapping
As they were en route to the supposed destination, the victim attempted to contact her husband and attorney. As per the official report, "Latrance forcibly took the phone from her hand during the call attempt." Shortly thereafter, they arrived at the Bridge Plaza apartment complex, where Battle claimed more ICE agents would be present.
It was then that the victim began to realize something was amiss, as she had initially been told they were heading to the sheriff's office. "When Latrance entered the apartment, the victim fled and alerted law enforcement," noted the BCSO. The victim knocked on a neighbor's window, hid behind a vehicle, and called for help. The neighbor sheltered her until the authorities arrived.
Upon realizing the escape, Battle asked the neighbor if he had seen a woman running and justified taking the phone by saying "she knew what she had done," as recounted by the witness to the authorities.
The Key: A History of Violence
During the emergency call, the victim provided a physical description of the kidnapper. Her husband, recognizing the details, identified Battle as his ex-partner. According to the Miami Herald, he had previously experienced a violent incident with her two years earlier, leading him to file a restraining order. This history enabled the police to swiftly identify the suspect.
Latrance Battle was located hours later in Fountain, Florida, as she attempted to head to Alabama. She was arrested without incident.
Legal Charges and Proceedings
The official statement from the Bay County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Battle faces formal charges of kidnapping during the commission of a felony, sudden snatch robbery, impersonating a public officer during a felony, and violation of probation, all classified as serious offenses.
Authorities emphasized that incidents like this pose a significant threat to vulnerable migrants. The investigation remains active as law enforcement examines whether there was premeditation or potential accomplices involved in this impersonation and kidnapping act.
Key Questions About the Florida Kidnapping Incident
What methods did Latrance Battle use to impersonate an ICE agent?
She wore a t-shirt with "ICE" printed on it, carried a portable radio, and presented a fake business card from the Sheriff's Office.
How did the victim realize something was wrong?
The victim began to suspect foul play when they arrived at an apartment complex instead of the sheriff's office as initially indicated.
What legal charges does Latrance Battle face?
Battle faces charges of kidnapping during a felony, sudden snatch robbery, impersonating a public officer during a felony, and probation violation.