FIFE, Wash. — Police in Fife say they’re investigating a possible impersonation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, after a suspicious Ford SUV was seen with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE decals on the side.
On Sunday, the SUV was captured on surveillance video outside the Ukrainian Emish Market circling around a parking lot with the driver reportedly honking the horn and driving away when it was confronted by a security guard.
“People got a little bit nervous, ‘cause they don’t know what to expect,” said store manager, Olena Ray.
DHS confirmed it was not one of their vehicles.
Fife Police say the SUV had “1775″ on the top and “911″ displayed on the back with some words being misspelled and distorted.
“It’s a personal intimidation for people who were just not born here,” Ray said.
She says about 60% of Ukrainian immigrants who came to the country legally. She believes it was a disturbing intimidation tactic.
“When someone is harassing you this way, it doesn’t make it easier to work peacefully, you know, live in a society where we paying taxes when you know we expect to be treated the same way,” Ray explained.
Fife Police are working with DHS and the FBI to investigate the incident.
Just a few hours later, people tell KIRO 7 that a similar black SUV with the same ICE decals was spotted in front of the Valley Harvest Market in Federal Way.
“Almost like scoping out their area, trying to see what was going on or just getting a feel for the area and it just made everyone feel comfortable just seeing them here,” said a woman who saw the vehicle but wanted to remain anonymous.
She says it made a lot of people in the story feel uneasy, especially amongst a predominantly Hispanic community.
“Now I think, well Latin people don’t wanna come by because that’s scary,” said customer Edith.
They’re especially frustrated after finding out the black SUV may have been a fake ICE agent.
“It doesn’t matter who you are. It’s just knowing that someone is taking it that far you know to make us fearful for what’s actually going on,” she explained.
If you have any information that may help with this investigation, the Fife Police Department asks you to call 253-922-6633 with case number #2507501372.
When asked about the incident, ICE sent us the following statement:
‘U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and agents are highly trained and dedicated professionals who are sworn to uphold the law, protect the American people and support U.S. national security interests. ICE strongly condemns the impersonation of its officers or agents. This action is not only dangerous, but illegal. Imposters can be charged with various criminal offenses both at the state/local level, as well as federally.’
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