Los Angeles, California — California law enforcement, led by the Fil-Am Attorney General Rob Bonta, issued a warning Tuesday regarding increased reports of individuals impersonating U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and other related immigration scams.
Attorney General Bonta has been actively working to inform California’s immigrant communities of their legal rights and protections. In light of reports of fraudulent activity, he emphasized that impersonating a federal officer is a crime. Bonta urged Californians to remain vigilant and to familiarize themselves with their rights.
Bonta stated that his office has received reports of individuals attempting to exploit immigrant communities by taking advantage of the fear and uncertainty. He emphasized that his office would hold those who engage in such exploitative behavior accountable.
To protect themselves from such scams, Californians are advised to request identification from anyone claiming to be an immigration officer. Bonta cautioned against providing money or personal information over phone calls, texts, or emails. He also advised against signing any documents without fully understanding their content.
Furthermore, he clarified that only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can offer legal advice on immigration matters. He warned against hiring immigration consultants or notaries for legal representation. Bonta also recommended verifying information from government-affiliated websites ending in “.gov.”
Individuals are encouraged to seek free legal assistance from legitimate legal aid organizations. Information can be found at lawhelpca.org.
