An NYPD sergeant has been charged with impersonating an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, according to a recently unsealed indictment. Sgt. Atickul Islam is accused of feigning to be the director of the ICE's New York Field Office and instructing a victim and their family to report to an immigration facility by April 15, as reported by Gothamist.
Details surrounding the motive behind Islam's action emerged, with law enforcement sources revealing to the New York Post that his actions were part of a revenge scheme against a woman who had rejected his romantic advances. Sgt. Islam, who maintains residence at his father's home, allegedly met the woman online, and after facing rejection, threatened her with ICE intervention while pretending to be "James W. Anderson," an ICE field director.
The incident caught the attention of the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau after reports of harassment surfaced, prompting an investigation that led to his arrest. "He knows where the victim lives," said Assistant US Attorney Rebecca Schuman, requesting during arraignment that Islam be ordered to steer clear of the woman's residence. Islam pleaded not guilty and was released on a $25,000 personal bond, as reported by the New York Post.
The NYPD has suspended Islam without pay following the indictment, with the department's spokesperson Brad Weekes confirming the action taken. Islam's attorney, John Arlia, stated in court that his client is "absolutely adamant about fighting these charges." If convicted, Islam faces a maximum of three years in prison and is due back in court on January 6, as per court documents cited by the New York Post.
The Department of Homeland Security, under which ICE operates, has yet to make an official comment on the matter. Public records indicate that Sgt. Islam's salary in 2025 was $155,813, with a base salary of $105,606, which is now in jeopardy due to the charges against him.
