Authorities in Phoenix dealt with an unusual and concerning incident earlier this month when a man was reported to be impersonating a federal agent and attempting to detain a security guard. On the evening of July 11, Phoenix Police responded to a call near 25th and Dunlap avenues, where a Valley Metro light rail employee reported that Jose Ruben Herrera, Jr., 52, confronted a security guard while falsely claiming to be an undercover agent with ICE and the Border Patrol, as reported by ABC15.
According to court documents obtained by ABC15, Herrera accused the security guard of allowing "a terrorist who was in his visual custody to get away." Herrera then demanded the guard be arrested despite his refusal to provide any badge or credentials validating his law enforcement status. Upon verifying with ICE and Border Patrol, it was confirmed that Herrera was not employed with either department.
In a statement obtained by AZFamily, a retired ICE agent emphasized the dangers of such impersonations, stating, "It puts the public in great danger," and added that it's critical for the legitimacy of ICE to be maintained. When citizens lose faith in their institutions, the retired agent claimed, it negatively impacts society.
As the situation escalated, Phoenix Police were forced to detain Herrera, who reportedly became aggressive with the officers and invoked his right to an attorney. Gov. Katie Hobbs, addressing the broader issue of law enforcement impersonation, said, "Impersonating them makes that job even tougher. It puts our officers in harm’s way, undermines public trust, and makes our communities less safe." Citing the potential dangers posed by such actions, DPS Director Col. Jeffrey Glover concurred, "Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that undermines public trust and threatens community safety," as stated by AZFamily.
After the arrest, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s Office shared tips for dealing with possible police impersonators. They advised people to stop in well-lit, busy areas, ask for officer ID, call 911, and take note of badge numbers and license plates. Valley Metro also stressed the importance of safety and working with local police to keep transit riders safe. A judge set Herrera’s bond at $10,050 for the charge and a separate probation violation, as per ABC15.
