In a troubling series of incidents, three teenagers in Anaheim impersonated ICE agents to rob Hispanic residents, authorities report. The teens, identified as Erick Cabrera, 18, Luis Figueroa, 19, and a 17-year-old juvenile, used this deceptive tactic to target vulnerable community members.
The first incident occurred on June 18, 2024, when the teens approached a Hispanic man in Anaheim, claiming they were ICE agents conducting an investigation. They wore shirts emblazoned with “POLICE” and carried fake badges. The victim, fearing deportation, complied with their demands and handed over his wallet and phone.
Teens pretended to be ICE agents to rob Hispanics in SoCal: Police https://t.co/V9DB4RzdbB pic.twitter.com/v0sgymmiuD
— Austin Kellerman (@AustinKellerman) June 25, 2024
Over the next week, the trio carried out similar attacks, each time using the fear of ICE to intimidate their victims into surrendering cash and valuables. The Anaheim Police Department became aware of the pattern after multiple victims reported the incidents, describing the same modus operandi.
Detectives quickly connected the dots and launched an investigation. Surveillance footage from the neighborhoods where the robberies occurred helped identify the suspects. The police arrested Cabrera and Figueroa at their homes, and the juvenile was taken into custody at his school.
Fake ICE agents robbed Hispanic people in Anaheim, California.
Two teens have been arrested for allegedly pretending to be federal law enforcement agents while targeting and robbing Hispanic people in Orange County and elsewhere in the Western United States. pic.twitter.com/eYUgMdDG9H
— Breaking News (@TheNewsTrending) June 24, 2024
According to Anaheim Police Chief Jorge Cisneros, the suspects targeted Hispanic individuals because they believed these victims would be less likely to report the crimes due to fear of immigration consequences. Chief Cisneros emphasized that the police department does not collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement and urged victims of any crime to come forward without fear of immigration repercussions.
The use of ICE impersonation in these robberies has raised concerns among immigrant rights groups. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has long criticized ICE's use of deceptive tactics, such as impersonating police officers, arguing that it undermines trust in law enforcement and leaves communities vulnerable to exploitation.
The Anaheim Police Department reassured the public that they are committed to protecting all residents, regardless of immigration status. Chief Cisneros stated, "Our focus is on safety and justice for everyone in our community. We will not tolerate crimes that exploit the fear of immigration enforcement."
As the investigation continues, the police are looking into whether there are additional victims who have yet to come forward. The suspects face multiple charges, including robbery, impersonating an officer, and conspiracy. They are currently being held at the Orange County Jail, with bail set at $500,000 each.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by immigrant communities and the importance of building trust between law enforcement and the residents they serve. The Anaheim Police Department is working closely with community organizations to ensure that all victims of crime feel safe reporting incidents without fear of immigration-related consequences.
