A jacket resembling those worn by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has surged in popularity on Amazon, raising concerns over potential misuse and impersonations. Newsweek has reached out to both ICE and Amazon for comments but has yet to receive a response.
ICE has been at the center of heated debates over US immigration policies, especially as President Donald Trump intensifies deportation efforts during his second term. The agency now wields greater authority, with lifted restrictions on making arrests in sensitive locations such as schools, healthcare centers, and places of worship.
The controversial jacket, priced at $29.99 and available in black or navy, currently ranks among the top-selling men’s military outerwear on Amazon, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos.
These changes have heightened fears within immigrant communities, particularly among undocumented individuals. Concerns about impersonations are not unfounded, as several incidents have already been reported.
Rise in cases of ICE impersonation
In one such incident, Temple University police in Philadelphia are investigating an incident where two students allegedly impersonated ICE agents on campus. On February 1, three individuals, two wearing shirts labeled “Police” and “ICE”, attempted to access a campus residence hall but were denied entry.
They were later reported causing a disturbance at a nearby business. One suspect, 22-year-old Aidan Steigelmann, was arrested and charged with impersonating a public servant. He has since been placed on “interim suspension” by the university. The other two suspects fled the scene in a light-colored SUV.
Another incident happened in South Carolina’s Charleston County where a 33-year-old Sean-Michael Johnson was charged with kidnapping and impersonating a police officer after allegedly stopping a group of Latino men on Sullivan’s Island on January 29. Posing as an ICE agent, Johnson reportedly detained the group, an act captured on video by one of the victims.
10.5 million undocumented immigrants in US
According to Pew Research Center, approximately 10.5 million undocumented immigrants were living in the US as of 2020. The growing fears of ICE impersonations further exacerbate tensions within immigrant communities, especially amidst the current political climate.
The sale of ICE-resembling apparel raises ethical and safety concerns, as such items could potentially be used to exploit or intimidate vulnerable populations.