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Lewisburg officials: Impersonators claiming to be ICE agents visited business

Lewisburg Officials Warn of Impersonators Posing as ICE Agents in Alarming Scam Wave

LEWISBURG, Pa. – Local authorities in Lewisburg are sounding the alarm over a disturbing trend of scammers impersonating U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, targeting vulnerable residents with threats of deportation and demands for money. The Union County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with Lewisburg Borough Police, issued an urgent public advisory this week, highlighting reports of fraudulent calls and visits from individuals falsely claiming affiliation with federal immigration authorities. This scam, which preys on fear and misinformation, has sparked widespread concern in the community, particularly among immigrant populations who may be more susceptible to such tactics.

The alert comes amid a surge in similar incidents across Pennsylvania and beyond, where imposters exploit the authority of ICE to extort personal information or financial payments. According to the advisory, the impersonators often contact victims via phone, email, or even in-person visits, asserting that there are outstanding immigration issues, warrants, or violations that require immediate resolution. They demand payment through untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, threatening arrest, deportation, or family separation if the demands are not met. In some cases, the scammers have gone as far as providing fake badge numbers, case files, or official-sounding documents to lend credibility to their claims.

Sheriff Ernie Ritter of Union County emphasized the severity of the situation in a statement released to the press. "These are not legitimate ICE operations," Ritter said. "Real federal agents do not demand money over the phone or threaten immediate action without due process. Our goal is to educate the public and prevent anyone from falling victim to these heartless schemes." Ritter noted that the department has received multiple complaints in recent weeks, with victims reporting losses ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. One anonymous resident shared a harrowing account of receiving a call from a supposed ICE officer who claimed their visa had expired and that agents were en route to their home unless a $2,000 fine was paid instantly via a prepaid card.

This type of fraud is not isolated to Lewisburg. Nationwide, ICE impersonation scams have been on the rise, fueled by heightened political rhetoric around immigration and the ease of digital communication. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has documented thousands of such cases annually, with losses exceeding millions of dollars. In Pennsylvania alone, state attorney general offices have fielded numerous reports, often linking them to organized crime rings operating from call centers abroad. These scammers meticulously research their targets, sometimes using public records or social media to gather personal details like names, addresses, and immigration status, making their threats feel eerily personalized.

To understand the mechanics of these scams, it's essential to differentiate between genuine ICE activities and fraudulent ones. Legitimate ICE agents, as outlined in official guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), always carry proper identification, including badges and credentials that can be verified through official channels. They do not solicit payments, nor do they conduct enforcement actions solely over the phone. ICE's official website explicitly warns against such imposters, advising the public to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the ICE tip line. In Lewisburg, officials are urging residents to hang up immediately on suspicious calls and never provide personal information without verification.

The impact on the community extends beyond financial loss. For many in Lewisburg's diverse population, which includes a growing number of immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe, these scams exacerbate existing fears of immigration enforcement. Community leaders, such as Maria Gonzalez, director of the local immigrant advocacy group Unidos Por Lewisburg, described the psychological toll. "These scams target the most vulnerable, playing on the real anxieties people have about their status," Gonzalez explained in an interview. "We've seen families withdraw from community activities, avoid seeking help, or even relocate out of fear. It's not just about money; it's about eroding trust in our systems."

In response, Lewisburg officials have launched a multifaceted awareness campaign. This includes distributing informational flyers in multiple languages at community centers, libraries, and places of worship. Workshops are being organized in partnership with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to educate residents on their rights during interactions with actual law enforcement. Police Chief Paul Yost of Lewisburg Borough stressed the importance of community vigilance. "If something feels off, it probably is," Yost said. "Report it to us right away. We're here to protect everyone, regardless of background."

Broader implications of these scams highlight systemic issues in immigration policy and public safety. Experts argue that the politicization of immigration has created fertile ground for fraudsters. Dr. Elena Ramirez, a criminologist at Bucknell University near Lewisburg, points out that misinformation about ICE's role—often amplified by social media and news cycles—makes it easier for scammers to operate. "When people are already on edge about raids or policy changes, they're more likely to panic and comply," Ramirez noted. She advocates for better federal resources to combat these crimes, including enhanced cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to dismantle scam networks.

Historically, ICE impersonation has roots in earlier fraud schemes, such as those mimicking the IRS or Social Security Administration. The tactics are similar: urgency, authority, and isolation. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of such scams spiked as remote interactions became the norm, allowing fraudsters to avoid face-to-face scrutiny. Lewisburg's current wave may be tied to recent national debates on border security, which have increased public awareness—and fear—of immigration enforcement.

To protect themselves, residents are advised to follow a few key steps. First, never engage with unsolicited calls claiming to be from ICE; legitimate agencies do not initiate contact this way for enforcement. Second, verify any claims by contacting ICE directly through their official website or hotline (1-866-DHS-2-ICE). Third, report incidents to local police and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For those who have already been victimized, resources like the National Center for Victims of Crime offer support for recovery, including assistance with identity theft and financial restitution.

As Lewisburg grapples with this issue, the community's response could serve as a model for other small towns facing similar threats. By fostering education and unity, officials hope to not only curb the scams but also build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. Gonzalez from Unidos Por Lewisburg summed it up poignantly: "Knowledge is our best defense. When we stand together, these scammers lose their power."

In the meantime, authorities continue to investigate leads on the impersonators, with potential ties to larger networks under scrutiny. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and official channels, ensuring that fear doesn't give way to exploitation in this quiet Pennsylvania borough.

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Read the Full The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa. Article at:
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