A Hispanic family living in Tucson, Arizona, reported that alleged Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempted to enter their home using a deceptive tactic: they posed as employees of Tucson Electric Power (TEP).
The incident, which occurred this month, was captured on video by Christine Cariño, a community activist who documented the scene from inside the home.
ICE impersonates electricity employees
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In the video, shared by Instagram account ConectaArizona, two men-one in a fluorescent vest and one in a dark T-shirt-are seen asserting that they were investigating a suspected power failure in the area.
However, when questioned by the resident about their identity, the individuals refused to show official credentials and began asking personal questions.
The woman, clearly concerned, instructed her minor son not to open the door under any circumstances, convinced that these were ICE agents.
“Don’t open the door, they don’t have a warrant,” the woman says in the video addressing her youngest son.
And then he turns to the man in the fluorescent vest: “
Warning of deceptive tactics
Civil rights organizations operating in Arizona have reacted with outrage, warning about the use of deceptive tactics that would violate people’s fundamental rights.
The immigrant community fears that this is a new strategy by the federal government to facilitate detentions without due process.
The electric company remains silent
So far, Tucson Electric Power has not issued a public statement to confirm or deny whether the men involved in the incident are employees of the company or whether ICE requested cooperation for the operation.
Immigration attorneys have reminded the community that ICE agents cannot legally enter a home without a warrant signed by a judge, and have urged the community not to open the door without such a warrant.
Amidst a climate of raids and protests
Buzzy
This incident comes amid a climate of national tension over the immigration policy of the administration of President Donald Trump, who has recently ordered massive raids and deployed federal troops in cities such as Los Angeles.
The Latino community in Arizona fears that this type of operation could spread throughout the country.
Local organizations are calling on people to report any similar situation and to share their testimonies in a safe way.
