Authorities have apprehended several individuals in different states posing as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, reflecting an alarming trend amid intensified immigration enforcement under the current administration.
In South Carolina, Sean-Michael Johnson, aged 33, faces charges for both kidnapping and impersonating an ICE agent. He allegedly detained a group of Latino men on a road in Charleston County. Court records indicate that Johnson unlawfully represented himself as an ICE agent, detaining the individuals’ vehicle. This incident, captured on video by one of the victims, unfolded on January 29 on Sullivan’s Island near Charleston. The video shows Johnson mocking the driver’s accent, seizing car keys, and knocking a phone out of the driver’s hand. Currently, Johnson is charged with multiple counts, including kidnapping, impersonating a law enforcement officer, petty larceny, and assault and battery. His parents, during a court appearance, revealed Johnson’s ongoing mental health challenges, pleading for continued therapy for their son.
Enrique Grace, the president of the Charleston Hispanic Association, emphasized the pattern of targeting Hispanics, stating, “We hear of Hispanics being targeted quite a bit. It’s an everyday thing.” The current increase in ICE impersonations coincides with broader immigration strategies that involve aggressive enforcement measures. President Trump’s administration has deployed troops to the US-Mexico border and utilized military aircraft for deportations. This environment has escalated the vulnerability of immigrants, making them easy targets for such scams.
In Philadelphia, a Temple University student faces charges related to ICE impersonation on campus. The incident involved two individuals wearing shirts marked with ‘Police’ and ‘ICE’, attempting to enter a residence hall. After being denied entry, they were found causing disturbances at a local business. Philadelphia police have charged the 22-year-old student with impersonating a public servant, and the university has placed him on interim suspension.
Another case in Raleigh, North Carolina, involves Carl Thomas Bennett, accused of impersonating an ICE officer and sexually assaulting a woman at a Motel 6. Reports reveal that Bennett threatened deportation if the victim did not comply with his demands. He was denied bond and now has a public defender appointed. These incidents underscore the need for secure environments where immigrants can report crimes without fear of deportation. However, recent policy changes under the administration now permit ICE actions in previously protected areas.
Nikki Marin Baena from Siembra NC, an organization advocating for Latino communities, highlighted the vulnerability of immigrants and the amplification of fear due to ICE impersonations. Siembra NC is actively working to reduce community fear by distributing educational resources and teaching Latino residents how to identify legitimate officers.
Maribel Hernández Rivera, from the American Civil Liberties Union, warned that the administration’s policies lead to a climate where immigrants are dehumanized, resulting in increased rights violations. She stressed the importance of safe spaces for immigrants, ensuring they can seek help without endangering themselves or others.
Overall, these incidents of ICE impersonation highlight the growing risks faced by immigrant communities under rigid immigration policies. As authorities continue to investigate these cases, there is a pressing need for measures that foster trust and safety within vulnerable populations amidst heightened enforcement efforts.
