Largest Latino Organization LULAC Warns of Sexual Predators Targeting Immigrant Women While Impersonating ICE Agents

According to the organization, false impersonations of immigration officials are leading to sexual assaults and scams across the United States

LULAC, the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the United States, recently revealed some chilling information regarding the community. According to the organization, false impersonations of immigration officials are leading to sexual assaults and scams across the United States, exposing a severe vulnerability in the protection of immigrant communities. While genuine agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement conduct operations in accordance with federal protocol, individuals posing as officers are weaponizing fear, misinformation, and fabricated uniforms to gain access to homes and commit violent crimes against women.

This ongoing crisis has prompted lawmakers to draft new legislation aimed at halting the wave of impersonations. Immigrant rights advocates, law enforcement officials, and attorneys continue to warn the public of the risks posed by these impostors and stress the importance of knowing how to identify a legitimate federal agent.

Fake Agents, Real Harm

As per Telemundo, Detective Erika Pérez has issued guidance to help people recognize when someone is pretending to be an immigration officer. Pérez explained that real ICE agents rarely act alone and are usually accompanied during raids or enforcement actions. While it is true that some federal agents wear plain clothes during operations, the lack of a team presence is one of several warning signs.

Data from the Federal Trade Commission confirms the scale of this issue, revealing that imposter scams accounted for losses of nearly $2.7 billion in 2024. These impersonators use phone calls, emails, and even text messages to contact victims, often demanding money under the threat of deportation. Others arrive at people’s homes without a warrant, claiming authority they do not possess.

In multiple cases, fake ICE uniforms have been used to carry out physical assaults and sexual violence. The absence of oversight or proper identification has enabled predators to move through communities without immediate suspicion.

What Real ICE Agents Will Never Do

ICE agents are prohibited from issuing deportation threats through phone calls or messaging apps. They cannot ask for wire transfers, bank details, or cash payments. Any request for funds in exchange for legal protection should be treated as a clear sign of fraud.

When agents conduct enforcement actions, they must carry official identification including a badge, a photo ID, and the logo of the Department of Homeland Security. If this documentation is missing or unclear, individuals are encouraged to end the interaction and report the encounter to local law enforcement.

To verify the identity of a person claiming to be a federal officer, people can call the following official numbers:

  • DHS: 1-800-323-8603

  • ICE: 1-866-DHS-2-ICE

  • FTC: 877-FTC-HELP or via reportfraud.ftc.gov

In emergencies, calling 911 remains the safest and fastest way to confirm any agent’s legitimacy.

Immigration Attorneys Urge Legal Action

Legal experts recommend filing a formal complaint if someone becomes the victim of a fake ICE encounter. Victims may qualify for a U visa, a special category for noncitizens who experience serious abuse and are willing to cooperate with law enforcement in investigations.

The rise in impersonation cases has drawn national concern as stories emerge of women being assaulted by those claiming to work for immigration authorities. Without stronger legal safeguards and public awareness, these crimes are likely to continue targeting the most vulnerable. Advocacy groups, such as LULAC, are calling for immediate support for new bills that would penalize impersonators more aggressively and introduce oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power.

For now, education and vigilance remain the strongest tools for those navigating a system that is already riddled with fear. Immigrants are urged to learn the signs, verify credentials, and speak up when something feels wrong.

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