California warns of fake ICE agents, immigration scams

California officials are warning residents about scams involving fake U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Attorney General Rob Bonta spoke out about the issue, highlighting an increase in reports of individuals pretending to be immigration officials. Bonta emphasized that impersonating a federal officer is a crime. He urged immigrants to understand their rights and take caution against scams that exploit fear surrounding immigration issues. Many people are being targeted amid concerns over immigration policies. To help protect themselves, Bonta gave several important tips. He advised people to always ask for identification from anyone claiming to be an immigration officer. Real immigration officials will have badges and credentials. People should never give money or personal information over the phone, text, or email. Immigration officers will not ask for financial information or call to notify individuals about being detained. It’s also important not to sign any documents without understanding them fully. Individuals should ensure that all immigration forms are complete and accurate before signing them. Bonta also warned against hiring unauthorized immigration consultants, as only licensed attorneys and accredited representatives can provide legal advice. For reliable legal information, Bonta recommended using government websites ending in “.gov” and visiting legitimate legal aid organizations for free help. Residents can find resources at lawhelpca.org to get assistance with immigration issues.