Two men take advantage of the raids against migrants to supplant ICE agents: they will face charges
A man in South Carolina and another in Pennsylvania They have been accused of separate incidents for impersonating agents from the Immigration and Customs Control Service of the United States (ICE). As reported NBC Newsboth cases have generated concern in a context of strict Immigration policies That, according to civil rights groups, they could be promoting a hostile environment towards Latin communities.
In the first case, Be Michael-Emmrich Johnson34, he was arrested in South Carolina after surrendering to the authorities last Friday. Johnson faces charges that include severe kidnapping, impersonation of an officer of the law and two other minor crimes. As detailed by the media, the incident was recorded in a video that shows Johnson by confronting a Latin man in a van and threatening him to deport him to Mexico. The video, described as “disturbing” by the authorities, has been key in the investigation.
He Police Department of Sullivan’s Island He informed that Johnson was voluntarily delivered and was released the next day after paying a bond. However, on Monday additional orders were issued against him for two more kidnapping positions. According to the authorities, in the vehicle were three Latin men, whose names have not been revealed and who do not face charges related to the incident.
The police deputy, Monty L. Andershe explained that the case is still under investigation. Johnson must appear before the court next month to face the charges. So far, it has not been possible to obtain comments from the accused, according to NBC News.
A day after Johnson’s arrest, a similar case occurred in Temple Universityin Philadelphia. According to the Local Police, a 22 -year -old man and two other people were accused of falsely identifying as ICE agents. Although the specific details of this case have not been widely disclosed, the incident has been linked to the tension climate generated by immigration policies in the United States.
In this case, Aidan SteigelmannHe was accused of conspiracy to supplant the identity of a public official.
A spokesman for the Philadelphia police assured NBC News that both men passed through ICE agents to enter a residence located at the University of Temple.
These cases occur at a time when Immigration Policies of the Trump administration have intensified controls on the border between the United States and Mexico, as well as in the main cities of the country. This environment, according to civil rights organizations, has created a dangerous climate for Latin communities. Roman Palomaresnational president of the United Latin American Citizens League (LULAC), expressed concern about these incidents and stressed the importance of those responsible in front of the legal consequences.
“I think this is only the beginning, unless we oppose, unless we take this to light and allow other people to see how this gentleman will be prosecuted,” said Palomares in reference to the case of South Carolina.
The supplantation of an officer of the law is a serious crime in the United States, and these cases have revealed the risks associated with the improper use of the perceived authority. In addition, incidents have highlighted social tensions and the impact of immigration policies on vulnerable communities.
According to NBC Newsthe authorities continue to investigate both cases, while civil rights groups urge greater surveillance to prevent similar incidents in the future.
