BEWARE: FBI Warns About Fake ICE Agents — Signs Civilians Should Look Out For

Across the United States, individuals impersonating agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are mounting a disturbing trend. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a nationwide warning in October 2025 after multiple violent incidents in New York, Florida, and North Carolina.

The reason — criminals are exploiting the ICE image to rob, kidnap, and assault civilians. The how is crucial, they are using fake badges, unmarked vehicles, and fear of deportation as tools.

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FBI Warns About Fake ICE Agents

In October 2025 the FBI released a bulletin alerting law enforcement agencies to the rise of fake ICE agents. According to The Wired, the bulletin urged officers to always identify themselves clearly and asked victims or civilians to request verification if in doubt.

It noted that at least five incidents during 2025 involved impersonators committing crimes under the guise of ICE operations. Officials stressed that such impersonation harms public safety and undermines trust in real immigration enforcement.

Fake ICE Agents Rob, Rape, and Kidnap Civilians

The bulletin and law-enforcement reports outline how impersonators use the ICE imagery to carry out severe crimes. Cases include:

• In New York (7 August 2025) three men in vests reading 'ICE' stormed a restaurant, bound workers and stole cash.
• In Bay County, Florida, a woman wearing an ICE-style T-shirt abducted her ex-partner's wife under the pretext of a federal removal operation.
• In Brooklyn, New York, a man posing as an ICE officer lured a woman, attempted sexual assault and stole her phone.
• In Raleigh, North Carolina, a fake ICE agent threatened deportation of a woman unless she submitted to sex, showing a fake badge and business card.

These crimes feed fear among immigrant- and low-income communities. They also make it harder to distinguish real ICE operations from criminal ones.

Fake ICE Agents Rise Since Trump's Second Term

A CNN report found that as of 2025, more than two dozen cases of impersonation by fake ICE agents occurred — a rate higher than during the previous four presidential terms combined. Investigators link part of the rise to aggressive enforcement under US President Donald Trump's second term, which increased the visibility of ICE raids and masked federal agents. Former agents say that when real officers use non-standard gear, unmarked cars, or masks, it becomes easier for criminals to copy.

In response, some states took action. In California, a law banned federal agents from wearing masks in most operations, aiming to reduce mimicry.

Signs They're Fake ICE Agents

Here are key clues civilians should look for when confronted with someone claiming to be from ICE:

Forged or Mismatched Credentials

Fake ICE agents may show badges or ID cards that don't match federal formats. The bulletin emphasises verifying names and numbers via a local police station.

Outdated or Inconsistent Protective Gear

Legitimate ICE officers follow strict uniform standards. Impersonators often wear garments that look similar but differ in details — old labels, incorrect patches or non-standard accessories.

Suspicious or Cloned Vehicles

Impostors may use unmarked vehicles or cars bearing fake ICE or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decals. For example, one prankster in Washington drove a vehicle marked 'S.U. Department of ICE Deliveries'.

Aggressive or Coercive Behaviour

Genuine ICE procedures require agents to identify themselves and their purpose when 'practical and safe'. Imposters skip this step, threaten deportation or demand payment.

Masked or Unidentifiable Faces

Impersonators may hide their identity behind masks or sunglasses. This is especially concerning because when real agents also operate masked, it increases confusion for civilians.

Demand for Money or 'Bribes'

Scammers sometimes pretend they will arrest you unless you pay a fine or provide money for 'immigration relief'. Genuine ICE agents do not demand immediate payments to avoid arrest.

Since ICE impersonators are increasing in numbers, watching out for these red flags can save you and your family.