FBI Warns of Criminals Posing as ICE, Urges Agents to ID Themselves

Criminals posing as U.S. immigration officials have carried out robberies, kidnappings and sexual assaults in several states, a law enforcement bulletin issued last month warned. Federal Bureau of Investigation. The bureau urges agencies to have officers clearly identify themselves and to cooperate when civilians ask to verify an officer’s identity — including permission to call a local police precinct. “Ensure adequacy of law enforcement personnel [sic] Identify yourselves during operations and cooperate with persons requesting further verification,” it said.

First reported by WIRED, the bulletin cites five 2025 incidents involving fake immigration officials and says criminals are using of Immigration and Customs Enforcement A higher profile for targeting vulnerable communities, making it harder for Americans to distinguish between legitimate officers and fraudsters while eroding trust in law enforcement. The Public Reporting Review confirms four of the five cases described in the bulletin. An unreported report appears to suggest the FBI drew in part on internal law enforcement information. The document was first obtained by the transparency nonprofit People’s property.

On August 7, three men wearing black vests entered a New York restaurant and claimed to be ICE agents, according to the FBI. Inside, they handcuff a worker and pull a garbage bag over the person’s head. Another, believing the thieves’ story, surrenders, only to be kicked to the ground and tied while the intruders rob an ATM.

The bureau’s advisory calls on agencies at every level of government to “coordinate” to “verify legitimate versus non-legitimate activities” responsible for ICE — a call that frames the undercover wave as a national law enforcement concern.

The FBI declined to comment. Its national press office said it can only respond to media inquiries related to national security, violations of federal law or essential public safety work during a government shutdown.

Cases cited by the consultant span kidnapping, street crime and sexual violence: In Florida’s Bay County, the consultant says, a woman “unzipped [her] jacket and a shirt that said ICE” and told his ex-boyfriend’s wife he was there to “pick her up” before driving her to an apartment complex. The woman later fled. In Brooklyn, it alleges, a man told a woman he was an immigration officer and “directed.” [her] in a nearby stairwell,” where he punched her, tried to rape her and stole her phone before police could catch him. In Raleigh, North Carolina, it claims, a man “entered [a] motel room and threatened to deport the woman if she did not have sex with him,” telling her he was a sworn officer. He showed her a business card with a badge, police said.

The FBI describes a few signs of impersonation: fake or mismatched credentials, outdated protective gear and cloned vehicle markings. It is urging agencies to launch outreach programs aimed at identifying fake ICE agents, a move the FBI argues could counter the mistrust created by impersonators and bolster law enforcement’s image.