Immigration and Customs Enforcement (#ICE) agents are permitted to identify themselves as “POLICE ICE.” However, in some cases they have simply identified themselves by saying they work with the police. People who are not native to the USA and likely are not fluent in the language would not be able to spot this distinction. They would hear the word "police" and assume that the individual they are speaking with, who is wearing an official uniform labeled "POLICE ICE," is in fact a police officer.

Let's face it, the average US citizen would be unlikely to make this distinction if they were caught off guard. So that means that all actions taken by the agent after that point would be perceived as the actions of police. This could easily increase the public’s fear and mistrust of police officers. 

According to an immigrant attorney, it is a vital duty to tell the immigrant community about their rights. The issue of ICE agents misidentifying themselves is directly connected to the legal rights of the people. For now we can only urge immigrants in this situation to request a valid search warrant. If the agent fails to show a warrant, then they can refuse to open their door. 

Immigrant communities have been experiencing these issues for years. Whether or not it is deserved, the police force in Mexico has a reputation for operating outside of the law. Nowadays, anyone without valid legal status is at risk. Members of the immigrant community are oftentimes hesitant to reach out to local police when the need arises, because they may fear that they will be reported to federal authorities for deportation. This practice of ICE members identifying themselves as police have fostered severe trust issues between the populace and the police. 

This perpetuation of misinformation should be put to an end before it continues to severely hinder relations between local authorities and the populace.