How the arrest happened
Ruse or deception
Agents posed as local police, utility workers, delivery staff, or others, or used a false pretext (a fake appointment, a claim about a different person) to make contact.
Documented in 25 states. Every well-documented story coded this way, grouped by state. See what accompanies it →
Arizona
Edgar M.: Phoenix man detained by ICE after agents allegedly posed as electriciansEdgar Martinez, 33, a Phoenix man applying for a visa as a trafficking victim, was detained after agents posing as electricians cut his power to lure him outside. His family is raising funds for his bond.Mesa, AZ · Sep 15, 2026 · AZ Family, Mundo Now, La Opinión +1
10 day laborers detained by disguised ICE agents at Phoenix Home DepotAbout 10 people, including day laborers waiting for work and shoppers, were detained outside a Phoenix Home Depot after agents reportedly disguised themselves as day laborers to make arrests.Phoenix, AZ · Sep 7, 2026 · AZ Family, Daily Jeff
Patience G.: Mother of U.S. citizen daughter lured to airport gate, held by ICEPatience Gore, a Zimbabwean mother married to a U.S. citizen, was seized at a United Airlines gate after 24 years in the U.S. and held nearly two weeks, disrupting an IVF cycle; a judge ordered her freed.Phoenix, AZ · Mar 27, 2026 · Aviation A2Z, View from the Wing, Inside Flyer +2
Ramón B.: Phoenix tile installer, 60, says ICE held him 26 hours without waterRamón Barraza, 60, spent two decades installing tile floors in Phoenix before plainclothes agents boxed in his truck. He says he was held 26 hours with little food and pressured to sign a departure form.Phoenix, AZ · Jan 5, 2026 · WTOP, The Independent, Bastille Post
Longtime Honduran resident targeted by federal agents posing as Tucson utility workersAgents posing as utility workers looking for a 'free estimate' targeted a Honduran man who had lived in his Tucson community for over a decade; a neighbor noticed a hidden badge and warned him before he let them in.Tucson, AZ · May 2025 · ACLU, KGUN 9, Tucson.com- Johan: 1-year-old Honduran boy separated from father faces immigration judge aloneA 1-year-old Honduran boy named Johan was separated from his father and faced immigration court proceedings alone, after his father was deported following an unfulfilled promise of reunification.Phoenix, AZ · Feb 19, 2025 · Think Progress, Associated Press, PBS +1
Arkansas
California
Santiago M.: Colombian asylum seeker with work permit deported after fake-buyer ICE stingSantiago Merlo, a Colombian man in California, was lured by a fake Facebook Marketplace buyer and detained by about 10 patrol units. He had a valid work permit and pending asylum case but was later deported to Colombia.Sacramento, CA · Sep 17, 2026 · Univision
Over 500 day laborers detained by ICE at Los Angeles Home DepotsMore than 500 day laborers seeking work outside Los Angeles Home Depot stores have been detained since 2025, as raids expanded to construction sites, traffic lights and coffee shops.Los Angeles, CA · Aug 15, 2026 · El País, Los Angeles Times, Associated Press +2
Mexican man arrested by marshals posing as utility workers in Los AngelesJosé de Jesús Cortez Delgado was detained in South Los Angeles after federal marshals disguised as utility workers tricked him into moving his truck, then arrested him at gunpoint. His wife says the charges against him had been dropped.Los Angeles, CA · Jun 20, 2026 · El País, Parriva, Briefly +1
Woman tasered in breast by Border Patrol agent at checkpointA 23-year-old pregnant woman was Tasered in the breast at a Border Patrol checkpoint after agents found no evidence of wrongdoing, leaving her hospitalized with bloody breastmilk for weeks. An assault charge against her was later dismissed.Dulzura, CA · Mar 19, 2026 · iNews Source, San Diego Union-Tribune, Inland Valley Press Online +5
Woman tasered by Border Patrol agents, blood in breastmilk for weeksA 23-year-old woman was Tasered by Border Patrol agents at a checkpoint near Dulzura after they falsely claimed to find deleted phone evidence. The resulting assault charge was dismissed in August 2025 after body-camera footage surfaced.San Diego, CA · Feb 22, 2026 · iNews Source, San Diego Union-Tribune
Uber driver and passenger chased by fake ICE agent in Los AngelesAn Uber driver and passenger near USC were harassed for about 20 minutes by a man impersonating an ICE agent with a fake badge, who yelled slurs and spat at their car before fleeing.Los Angeles, CA · Nov 18, 2025 · LA Taco, Simon Law Group
16 arrested at LA Home Depot by Border Patrol despite court orderSixteen people from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras and Nicaragua were arrested outside a Los Angeles Home Depot by masked agents using an unmarked Penske truck, despite a court order barring such raids in the region.Los Angeles, CA · Aug 6, 2025 · The Independent, The Guardian, San Francisco Chronicle +2
Man arrested for posing as federal immigration agent in Huntington ParkFernando Diaz, 23, was arrested in Huntington Park after police found a loaded firearm and official-looking Homeland Security and CBP documents in his vehicle, amid investigation into possible impersonation of a federal officer.Huntington Park, CA · Jun 27, 2025 · NBC Los Angeles, CBS News, Press Telegram
Man detained by masked ICE officers in church parking lot without identificationA man was detained by three armed, masked ICE officers in the parking lot of Downey Memorial Christian Church on June 11, 2025, after they refused to identify themselves or show a warrant.Downey, CA · Jun 11, 2025 · Calo News, ABC7, Beliefnet +1
Immigration agents try to speak with students at two L.A. elementary schoolsFederal agents tried to speak with students at two Los Angeles elementary schools, claiming to conduct welfare checks on unaccompanied minors. Principals denied them access, and four targeted children were not unaccompanied minors.Los Angeles, CA · Apr 14, 2025 · Los Angeles Times, Office of Robert Garcia, LA School Report
Colorado
District of Columbia
Florida
Food truck owner, son allegedly threatened by man posing as ICE agentA Venezuelan legal resident running a food truck with his son in Miami-Dade was repeatedly confronted by a man posing as a top ICE official who demanded money and threatened to plant drugs and pistol-whip his son.Miami, FL · Sep 16, 2026 · Telemundo, Miami Herald, Telemundo 51 +1
Sirena P.: Florida hairdresser and mother of seven detained by ICE as sons watchedA Pompano Beach hairdresser and mother of seven, in Florida since infancy, was detained outside her salon as her young sons watched, and now faces deportation to Haiti.Pompano Beach, FL · Sep 14, 2026 · Haitian Times, Miami Herald, Conven
Guatemalan asylum seeker detained by ICE after wildlife officer's false dog-bite claimA Guatemalan man with a pending asylum case was arrested in a Bonita Springs park after a wildlife officer falsely claimed his dog bit him, then held until ICE arrived.Bonita Springs, FL · Jun 11, 2026 · Click Orlando, WLRN, WUSF +1- Daniela: U.S. citizen's wife detained by Florida detective she helped for monthsDaniela, a Colombian immigrant married to a U.S. citizen, was handcuffed and detained after months of cooperating with a fraud investigation into her former employer. She was moved in chains across two states before being released on bond.“It’s very cruel the way they arrested me.” — DanielaPalm Beach, FL · Apr 2026 · WLRN, The Marshall Project, News Beep
Woman seeking residency taken from workplace by ICE impostorA Florida woman, Latrance Battle, impersonated an ICE agent to kidnap her ex-boyfriend's wife, who believed she faced real immigration enforcement before escaping and alerting police.Panama City Beach, FL · Apr 10, 2025 · Miami Herald, FOX 35 Orlando, Global News
Georgia
Illinois
Louisiana
Ibrahim M.: Ethiopian asylum seeker repeatedly rearrested by ICE in defiance of court ordersIbrahim Mohammed, a 43-year-old Ethiopian man granted protection from deportation, was repeatedly rearrested by ICE despite court orders, including a July arrest by about 10 agents at his home.Baton Rouge, LA · Aug 18, 2026 · NOLA.com, The Banner, The LensSinri B.: Afro-indigenous mother deported with U.S. citizen child returns to LouisianaSinri Baltazar, a Garifuna mother, was deported with her three children after signing a misleading document. A judge ordered them returned to Louisiana, where they now stay with a church acquaintance.Louisiana, LA · Apr 2026 · Yahoo News, 1News, Associated Press
Parisa F. and Pouria P.: Iranian LSU students lured out by fake ICE officersParisa Firouzabadi and Pouria Pourhosseinhendabad, a married LSU student couple from Iran, were tricked into leaving their Baton Rouge apartment by agents posing as police investigating a hit-and-run.Baton Rouge, LA · Jul 19, 2025 · Washington Post, NBC News, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
Trans-Latina advocate lured to ICE office, denied care and deported to MexicoA trans-Latina community organizer and 2024 human rights award recipient was lured to an ICE office with promises of leniency, detained, allegedly mistreated, then deported to Mexico, a country she had never lived in.New Orleans, LA · February 2025 · ACLU, WWNO, Institute for Policy Studies +1
Maryland
Massachusetts
Debora K.: Zambian nurse seeking asylum detained by ICE at airportDebora Kapisha, a Zambian nurse at Maine Medical Center with a pending asylum claim, was detained by ICE on July 30 and released August 7 after a rally and legal challenge.Boston, MA · Aug 7, 2026 · The Maine Anchor, Maine Public, Maine Morning Star +8
Luis B.: Lynn father tricked by fake ICE wellness call, detainedLuis Barreras, a father of three, was taken into custody at his home after ICE agents called claiming they wanted to check on his children's well-being.Lynn, MA · Jun 9, 2025 · NBC Boston, Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra
Michigan
Minnesota
Jesus F.: Father of six lured from home by ICE agents faking car troubleJesus Flores, a mechanic and father of six, two with autism, was lured outside his Minnesota home by agents faking car trouble and detained. His family says he was transferred to Texas within 48 hours.Columbia Heights, MN · Feb 13, 2026 · CBS News, Fox 9, Channel 3000
ICE agents posing as canvassers keep operating in Minnesota suburbsMinnesota residents report ICE continuing operations in Twin Cities suburbs despite an announced drawdown, using disguised vehicles, plain clothes, and agents posing as environmental canvassers.Minneapolis, MN · Feb 12, 2026 · LinkedIn, Sahan Journal, CBS News +2
Elizabeth Z.C. and Rosa Elena C.C.: 10-year-old girl detained by ICE, taken 1,200 miles to TexasElizabeth Zuna Caisaguano, 10, was taken with her mother on the way to her school bus and held a month in Texas before a judge blocked their deportation and freed them.Columbia Heights, MN · Feb 6, 2026 · CBS News, The Guardian, Sahan Journal +12- Children as young as four held by ICE, one used as baitA five-year-old boy, Liam Ramos, and his father were detained at their Columbia Heights, Minnesota home despite having an active asylum case and no deportation order. Agents have also detained children as young as four.Columbia Heights, Minnesota · Jan 22, 2026 · Port of Entry, American Psychiatric Association, Center for Health Journalism
Restaurant owners and dishwasher detained by ICE in Willmar, MinnesotaICE agents ate lunch at a Willmar, Minnesota restaurant, then returned and detained its owners and a dishwasher, prompting the restaurant to close early.Willmar, MN · Jan 14, 2026 · Upper Michigan's Source, KAIT 8, Newsweek
Missouri
New Mexico
Adriana R.: Grandmother detained by ICE taking baby on oxygen to Santa Fe doctorAdriana Ruiz, 43, was detained while preparing to drive her 2-month-old grandchild, who is on oxygen, to a medical appointment in Santa Fe; her family says they weren't told where she was taken.Santa Fe, NM · Aug 20, 2026 · KOB, New Mexico PBS, Standing Record
Carlos: Father with TPS detained by ICE at meeting to reunite with childrenCarlos, a Venezuelan man with temporary protected status, was detained after being told he'd reunite with his children, ages 14 and 16, who had waited nearly a year in a shelter. Officers then stripped and restrained him.“This operation is designed to force parents to make an impossible choice between reuniting with their children and seeking safety.” — Chiqui Sanchez Kennedy, one of Carlos' attorneysNew Mexico · Dec 1, 2025 · CNN, KFF Health News, LAist +3
New York
Man detained by masked ICE agents inside NYC hospital emergency roomA man was detained inside a NYC emergency room by masked ICE agents on August 2, as a witness who tried to photograph the scene was threatened with charges.Manhattan, NY · Aug 2, 2026 · AM New York, Archive, Forum Daily New York
Elaina A.: Columbia student detained by DHS agents falsely claiming missing child searchElaina Aghayeva, a Columbia University neuroscience researcher, was detained for about nine hours after agents entered her dorm without a warrant. She was released after New York's mayor intervened with Trump.New York, NY · Feb 27, 2026 · WNIS, CNN, The New Yorker +7
Elmina A.: Columbia student detained by ICE agents posing as police in her dormElmina Aghayeva, a Columbia University senior from Azerbaijan, was detained after agents posing as police entered her dorm, but was freed the same afternoon following a habeas petition and the mayor's intervention.“I am in complete shock over what happened … I need a little bit of time to process everything I will come back soon. But please don’t worry,” — Ellie AghayevaNew York, NY · Feb 26, 2026 · Columbia Spectator, New York Times, CNN +8
Omar R.J.: Rochester restaurant founder lured to ICE office to install app, detainedOmar Ramos Jimenez, 50, co-founder of Rochester's La Casa restaurant and resident since 2004, was lured to an ICE office under a false pretext and remains held after a judge denied his release.Rochester, NY · Feb 1, 2026 · New York Immigration Coalition, WXXI News, Rochester First +2
Allan D.M.: Manhattan man's husband detained by ICE at green card interviewAllan Marrero was detained at his green card interview in Manhattan over a missed 2022 hearing neither he nor husband Matthew knew about, and was given only 30 seconds to say goodbye.“The interview itself was cold and hostile. The officer was rude, dismissive and wouldn't even allow me to look at my husband when telling our love story. When I expressed how deeply I love him and found no flaws in him, I was scolded and told that no one is perfect.” — Matthew MarreroManhattan, NY · Nov 24, 2025 · AM New York, Documented, PIX11 +1
Family told to report to ICE by NYPD sergeant allegedly impersonating agentAn NYPD sergeant, Atickul Islam, pleaded not guilty to posing as an ICE official and ordering a family to report to an ICE facility. He was released on bond and suspended without pay.New York, NY · Nov 18, 2025 · AM New York, United Press International, Gothamist
Germán P.: Honduran delivery driver held by ICE, promised $1,000 to leave, never paidGermán Pineda, a Honduran delivery driver here 14 years, was promised a flight and $1,000 to leave voluntarily but never received the payment after arriving in Honduras.Manhattan, NY · Oct 25, 2025 · The Guardian, The Lens, The Fappening Newz +1
North Carolina
Arturo S.T.: Venezuelan musician deported by ICE to El Salvador prisonArturo Suárez Trejo, a 33-year-old singer and new father, was detained making a music video in Raleigh and sent to El Salvador's Cecot prison, with his family unable to reach him since.Raleigh, NC · Mar 15, 2025 · The Guardian, El País, the-disappeared.com +3
Woman allegedly raped by man posing as ICE agent in RaleighA 37-year-old Raleigh man posed as an ICE agent, showing a fake badge and threatening deportation, while allegedly kidnapping and raping a woman at a Motel 6.Raleigh, NC · Jan 26, 2025 · ABC11, CBS 17, WRAL +1
Mexican immigrant family attacked at gunpoint in Greensboro by fake ICE agentsA Mexican immigrant family in Greensboro was assaulted at gunpoint by armed men posing as ICE agents, who struck a family member with a gun and threatened a baby during a robbery; the case remains unsolved.Greensboro, NC · Jan 20, 2025 · International Business Times, MEAWW, Kenya Today +1
Ohio
Oregon
Driver assaulted in fake ICE traffic stop by masked impersonators in OregonA driver on Highway 211 near Clackamas County was pulled over by masked men posing as ICE agents, forced from their car, searched, and assaulted before being released and treated at a hospital.Woodburn, OR · Jul 17, 2026 · The Independent, Snopes, Grants Pass Tribune +1- Migrants in Oregon suburb detained after ICE agents posed as utility workersAt least three people in Gresham, Oregon were detained after federal agents posing as utility workers lured them from their homes. Local utilities have since issued guidance, one in seven languages, on how to identify real employees.Gresham, OR · Jan 2026 · El País, OPB, The Oregonian +2
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Anastasio T. and Maria V.M.: Chattanooga teen in U.S. since age six deported with family by ICEAnastasio Tomas, 16, a Chattanooga Preparatory School student living in the U.S. since age six, was deported to Guatemala with his mother after a traffic stop. A GoFundMe is raising money to help him return to finish school.Chattanooga, TN · Sep 16, 2026 · CIVL, Local 3 News
Nearly 200 arrested in Nashville traffic stops by Highway Patrol and ICEA lawsuit accuses Tennessee Highway Patrol of racial profiling through its ICE partnership, citing a South Nashville operation where 20 people were detained the first night and nearly 200 over the weekend.Nashville, TN · May 25, 2026 · FOX 17, Tennessee Lookout, Justia +1
Texas
Andrés and Luis: 11-year-old boy separated from father by ICE, placed in foster careAndrés, an 11-year-old Venezuelan boy who likes to draw and paint, was separated from his father Luis during a masked ICE arrest outside their El Paso home and sent to foster care as an 'unaccompanied' minor.“Since he was little he’s been with me,” — LuisEl Paso, TX · Oct 5, 2026 · Mother Jones
Jesús B. and Katherine: San Antonio father says ICE made him lure 9-year-old daughter to detentionSan Antonio father Jesús Bracho says ICE forced him to lure his 9-year-old daughter Katherine from their home for detention. The two were held together over a month in Dilley before release.San Antonio, TX · Aug 28, 2026 · SA Current, News 4 San Antonio
Emely S.C. and Fernando S.O.: 16-year-old held by ICE on way to church, father arrested at pickupEmely Charloth Suaza Chambo, 16, a Churchill High School student, was detained on her way to church, and her father was taken into custody when he came to pick her up. Both are held at Dilley with pending asylum cases.San Antonio, TX · Jul 31, 2026 · KSAT, FOX San Antonio, News 4 San Antonio +3- ZOR: Beaten detainee faces repeated ICE deportation attempts despite court orderA detainee called ZOR (a pseudonym) had three teeth broken in a beating guards watched, was falsely told he'd won asylum, and has faced about six deportation attempts despite a court order blocking his removal.El Paso, TX · May 30, 2026 · El Paso Matters, ACLU of Texas, World Press A
Juana F.M.: Pregnant woman deported at 8 months, concealed from congressional inspectionJuana Felipe Mateo, a Guatemalan mother of two, was deported eight months pregnant after three months in detention at Dilley. She says she was hidden from a congressional inspection and held in a cold cell with her sick toddler.Dilley, TX · Feb 23, 2026 · Univision
Ramiro G.: Cuban man twice nearly forced across Mexico border from Camp East MontanaRamiro G., a 45-year-old Cuban man, says he was chained and bused to the border twice in attempts to force him into Mexico, a country he says he has no ties to.El Paso, TX · September 2025 · Human Rights Watch
Two U.S. citizen children, 4 and 5, deported to MexicoA mother was lured to an immigration appointment with false promises of asylum, then deported to Reynosa, Mexico with her three children, including two U.S. citizens ages 5 and 4.Austin, TX · May 7, 2025 · The Daily Beast, CBS News, Times of India +1
Shirly G.: Army sergeant's wife deported by ICE, separated from 1-year-old sonShirly Guardado, married to an Army sergeant and mother of a 1-year-old, was detained nearly three months and deported to Honduras on her 28th birthday despite her husband's approved sponsorship petition.Houston, TX · Mar 13, 2025 · Texas Tribune, The War Horse, Cuba Headlines +2
Washington
Christopher R.D.J.: Tire shop worker lured outside, detained by masked ICE agentsChristopher Ruiz de Jesus, 26, was detained by masked federal agents outside TOS Wheels and Tires in Lynnwood, Washington, on Saturday, Oct. 17.Lynnwood, WA · Oct 17, 2026 · Fox 13 Seattle, UnivisionOver 50 Lynden packing workers detained by ICE, about a dozen deportedMore than 50 workers at a Lynden, Washington seafood plant have been detained since March, with about a dozen deported. Agents reportedly posed as a religious group giving out water to lure employees before detaining them.“a lot of people that haven’t done anything wrong that are getting picked up too. We all know what the truth is, and there is a better way.” — The owner of Premier PackingLynden, WA · Jul 23, 2026 · Bellingham Herald, My Bellingham Now, Cascadia Daily +2
Wilmer T.M.: Vancouver father of three attacked by ICE dog, denied medical careWilmer Toledo-Martinez, 28, a Vancouver father of three married to a U.S. citizen, was attacked by an ICE dog after an agent lured him outside posing as a construction worker. He was hospitalized and later denied care in detention.Vancouver, WA · Nov 14, 2025 · Seattle Times, Lynnwood Times, KATU +3
16-year-old girl frightened by ICE welfare check visit in Washington stateA 16-year-old unaccompanied immigrant girl in Washington state was frightened by an ICE "welfare check" visit, calling her attorney in fear that her life would be upended.Washington, WA · Apr 28, 2025 · The Guardian, The Marshall Project, Seattle Times +2
Sergey K.: Ukrainian green card holder held two months after ICE Facebook Marketplace stingSergey Kostenyuk, a Spokane shed-builder who came from Ukraine as a child refugee, was detained for two months after agents posed as buyers on Facebook Marketplace; a judge ordered his release, finding he did not meet deportation criteria.Spokane, WA · Feb 15, 2025 · KUOW, La Nación, Newsweek +2
Wisconsin
Location not tied to one state
Five fathers handcuffed by ICE in front of children while campingFive fathers, husbands and uncles from one extended Mexican family were handcuffed before children during a Labor Day camping trip near Granite Falls, Washington. They remain held in Tacoma.WA · Sep 5, 2026 · Substack, Eyes On Ice, Seattle Chinese Radio +4
Ledgar D.R.: Venezuelan asylum seeker reunites with family after year in ICE detentionLedgar Ramses Delgado-Reyes, a 25-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker, reunited with his wife in Las Cruces after nearly a year in detention, freed on a $14,000 bond raised through a GoFundMe.FL · Aug 26, 2026 · KFOX TV, KRWG, Spot On New Mexico
Five migrants resist Liberia deportation, forced off plane in Equatorial GuineaFive people, including three Cuban men, a Brazilian man and a Cameroonian woman, refused to leave a Liberia-bound deportation flight and were forced off in Equatorial Guinea, joining over 30 others held there.Aug 20, 2026 · The Straits Times, Reuters, The Print +1
Ana D.: Breastfeeding mother of two deported after ICE agent posed as case managerAna Delgado, a Venezuelan mother of two in San Antonio, was lured outside and detained while holding her young son. She developed mastitis in detention after being denied a breast pump, then was deported, separating her from her kids.TX · May 8, 2026 · Univision, Register-Guard, MSN +3- Venezuelan family self-deports to Mexico after ICE arrests husband and sonA Venezuelan family who entered legally through CBP One chose to leave for Mexico after ICE detained the husband at work and the son at a construction site, fearing deportation to Venezuela.Juarez, Mexico · Feb 10, 2026 · WGN Radio, Border Report, Associated Press +1
Families find death cards left after ICE detains relatives in ColoradoFamilies of 10 Latino community members detained in Colorado found customized "death cards" left on their vehicles, which agents had pulled over using fake police lights before abandoning them running with doors open.Jan 24, 2026 · Writ of Mandamus, CBS News, Jezebel +2
Somali asylum seekers told by ICE they'd go home, sent to GuantanamoSeveral Somali asylum seekers, including a truck driver and a mechanic, were told they'd be deported home but flown to Guantánamo Bay instead, where they remain shackled.Aug 28, 2025 · Mother Jones, Down Ballot, HCN Times +2
Venezuelan men expelled to Salvadoran prison despite court order allege tortureMore than 230 Venezuelan men were flown to El Salvador's CECOT prison and allege months of torture there. They are now suing the aviation companies that carried out the flights.Jul 17, 2025 · The Guardian, Latin Times, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights +2
Men in two states accused of impersonating ICE officersA South Carolina man impersonating an ICE officer confronted a Latino man in a pickup truck, threatening deportation, followed by a similar incident at Temple University involving three men.Feb 3, 2025 · KMPH, KYMA, ABC7 Amarillo +1