An investigation by CNN, examining court cases and police reports, has uncovered a significant surge in individuals impersonating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the United States during President Donald Trump's second term. Throughout 2025, there have been at least 24 incidents involving impostors who donned fake ICE vests, badges, or vehicles to commit crimes, including kidnappings, robberies, assaults, and sexual assaults.
This spike represents more cases than those recorded during the last four presidential terms combined, beginning with Barack Obama's first term, according to the analysis. One particularly severe incident involved a woman in Panama City, Florida, who was abducted by a female impersonator wearing a jacket emblazoned with the ICE logo and carrying a counterfeit ID.
The suspect, 52-year-old Latrance Battle, posed as a federal agent and persuaded the victim to accompany her to a vehicle before attempting to detain her forcibly. Fortunately, the victim managed to flee and seek assistance. Battle was apprehended and now faces charges of kidnapping and identity theft.
Other documented incidents include alleged agents using fake police lights to stop vehicles, assaulting drivers, extorting immigrants, or even committing sexual assaults under the threat of deportation. Prosecutors and former federal agents attribute the rise of these impostors to ICE agents’ increased use of masks and civilian attire during operations ordered by the White House.
"It's very easy for someone to disguise themselves and act like these agents," warned Mike German, a former FBI agent. "When the real agents are masked and lack visible badges, it creates the perfect environment for criminals to exploit fear and confusion."
ICE defends the practice of masking, claiming it is a protective measure against harassment and threats. However, critics argue that this policy has created a dangerous 'gray zone' where impersonators proliferate. The debate has reached the political arena, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing a state law in September prohibiting the use of masks by federal agents during raids or arrests in California, making it the first state to enforce such a restriction.
The Trump Administration, however, declared the law "unconstitutional" and announced it would not comply. The Department of Homeland Security justified its stance by stating that attacks against ICE agents have increased by over 1,000% since January, including attempted vehicular assaults and threats against their families.
Despite the rise in cases, only one of the 24 documented incidents this year has led to federal charges, marking a significant decline compared to previous administrations. Local leaders argue this sends a message of impunity. "The federal government is not willing to hold them accountable, and that encourages more people to impersonate ICE agents," lamented Miguel Arias, a city council member in Fresno, California.
In cities like Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Miami, authorities have issued public alerts urging residents to verify agents' credentials before cooperating in any operation. While scams involving fake immigration agents are not new, their violent and political nature is.
CNN identified instances where men pretended to be ICE agents to intimidate protesters, extort money, or gain notoriety on social media. "This is not just a public safety issue," concluded former agent German. "It is a direct consequence of the militarization and secrecy with which immigration policy has been managed during this term."
Understanding the Surge in ICE Agent Impersonations
What has contributed to the rise in ICE agent impersonations?
The increase in impersonations is linked to the use of masks and civilian attire by ICE agents during operations, creating a 'gray zone' that criminals exploit to impersonate officers.
How has the federal government responded to these incidents?
Despite the increase in incidents, the federal government has been criticized for not holding impersonators accountable, with only one of 24 documented cases leading to federal charges this year.
What measures have been taken at the state level to address this issue?
California has enacted a law prohibiting federal agents from wearing masks during raids or arrests, though the Trump Administration has declared this law unconstitutional and refuses to comply.