ICE made its costume easy to counterfeit
Three people allegedly used a rifle, fake badges, tactical vests, and roof-mounted police lights to pull over a driver, force them into an SUV, and assault them. While the victim was at the hospital, a “law firm” began texting about representation for the detention.
The disguise did not require a convincing federal uniform. All one needs are some masks, tactical vests, guns, generic police markings, and an unmarked SUV. Voilà, you are ICE, and your random assault is just as illegitimate.
The victim was driving on Highway 211 east of Woodburn the afternoon of July 17 when a car with flashing red and blue lights mounted on its roof got behind them. Believing they were being stopped by law enforcement, officials said, the person pulled over.
Two men approached the person’s vehicle, one carrying a rifle, and told them they were Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and that she was being detained. The duo then reportedly removed the driver from their vehicle, searched them and placed them in the back of their car.
A third perpetrator remained in the vehicle and assaulted the victim, they told police, reportedly telling them he was the “guard.”
After detaining the driver for nearly 20 minutes, the trio told them they were free to leave and released them, authorities said.
The victim then drove themselves to a hospital to seek treatment for unspecified injuries. While there, police said the victim began receiving text messages claiming to be from a law firm offering legal representation related to their detention.
ICE supplied the wardrobe and the business model.
Could have been legit ICE on their lunch break.
But of course this doesn't mean anyone confused about whether they're being unofficially or officially assaulted is safe from being murdered if they hesitate in obeying orders.