The tightening of President Donald Trump's immigration policy has opened a new front of fear among immigrant communities in the United States: the increase in people posing as ICE agents to commit robberies, assaults and even sexual abuse.

An extensive investigation published by NBC News documented an alarming growth in these cases during 2025, amid the massive immigration raids promoted by the Republican administration.

According to the report, at least 31 incidents related to false immigration agents were recorded this year alone, a figure much higher than the annual average of the last decade. Most cases involve individuals claiming to be from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), taking advantage of the fear that exists among undocumented migrants.

Immigration fear became a weapon

In Greensboro, North Carolina, a Mexican immigrant told Noticias Telemundo how several armed men broke into the home he shared with other immigrant workers while shouting “ICE, ICE!”

"I raised my hands and thought it was immigration. Then they asked me where the money was and I understood that it was a robbery," said the victim, who asked to remain anonymous.

The attackers beat several residents, threatened a family with a baby and escaped with cash. More than a year later, those responsible remain at large.

The case reflects a trend that worries civil organizations and local authorities. The FBI warned in an internal bulletin, cited by the aforementioned media, that criminals are using “ICE's high public visibility” to attack vulnerable communities.

The investigation found that 84% of documented cases in 2025 involved people claiming to be ICE agents. Others said they belonged to the Border Patrol or the Department of Homeland Security.

Violent attacks increase

In addition to the increase in cases, experts warn of a more aggressive pattern. Between 2014 and 2024, around 23% of incidents included physical violence. In 2025, the figure rose to 38%.

The files reviewed by the Hispanic media include complaints of armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual assaults and threats against immigrant workers.

Morgan Weibel, legal director of the Tahirih Justice Center, said that they are receiving more and more reports of immigrant women being attacked by people posing as immigration officials.

“Many victims are afraid to report because they believe they could be deported,” he explained.

The situation also worries civil rights advocates such as the American Civil Liberties Union. Naureen Shah, director of government affairs at the ACLU, said the use of masks by some real ICE agents makes it even more difficult to distinguish between legitimate officers and impostors.

“We have never seen masked officers on this scale in the United States,” he said.

Immigrants live between silence and fear

The research also reveals that many immigrants prefer to remain silent for fear of reprisals or deportations. Some witnesses even refuse to cooperate with the police.

Larry Krasner, Philadelphia District Attorney, assured that this climate of fear ends up affecting public safety.

“Victims don't want to call the police because they are afraid,” he said.

Meanwhile, some cities and states have attempted to regulate immigration operations by requiring agents to clearly identify themselves. In Philadelphia, measures have already been approved to restrict the use of masks and unmarked vehicles during operations.

However, experts believe that the problem will continue to grow as long as immigration fear continues to dominate the daily lives of thousands of families.

“Now anyone can shout ‘ICE’ and cause panic,” summarized one of the immigrants interviewed.