HUNTINGTON PARK, CALIF. — A man was arrested this week in Huntington Park, California, after being accused of attempting to pose as a federal immigration agent and possessing an unlicensed handgun, copies of U.S. Homeland Security documents, and a list of radio codes associated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The arrest was made on the evening of June 24.

The Incident

Fernando Diaz, 23, from Los Angeles, was apprehended after police officers came across his illegally parked silver Dodge Durango on S. Alameda Street. The vehicle was parked in a handicap zone without the proper placard and was missing a front license plate. Upon closer inspection, officers noticed the vehicle was equipped with red-and-blue visor lights, radios resembling police equipment, and a semi-automatic firearm magazine.

Initially believing the vehicle to be an unmarked police vehicle, officers checked the license plate, only to discover it was registered to a Los Angeles resident, not a law enforcement agency. Diaz approached the officers as they were preparing to impound the vehicle and claimed ownership, explaining that the items inside belonged to a friend.

Discovery of Suspicious Items

When officers inspected the vehicle, they found:

• Three cell phones
• Handheld radios
• Multiple passports
• Documents labeled with “Department of Homeland Security” and “U.S. Customs and Border Protection” headings
• A list of CBP radio codes

Further investigation revealed that Diaz had no valid credentials to back up his claim of working for CBP. Although Diaz initially denied stealing the items, he later claimed he used to work for CBP in 2022.

Background of the Arrest

Diaz was also discovered to have an outstanding criminal arrest warrant for a DUI case. Additionally, his driver’s license had been suspended multiple times in 2023 due to driving under the influence. He was arrested at Heathrow Airport after being found wearing stolen jewelry and had more merchandise in his luggage.

Possible Impersonation of Federal Immigration Agents

Huntington Park Police Chief Cosme Lozano expressed concern over the implications of the incident, particularly the criminal element it introduces, as well as the potential to undermine public trust in law enforcement. This arrest comes at a time of growing concerns about federal immigration agents who have been seen conducting immigration raids without clear identification or uniforms.

In response to these concerns, the city council of Huntington Park approved a resolution requiring officers to verify the identity of individuals claiming to be federal immigration agents. Mayor Arturo Flores stated, “If you’re acting with federal authority, then show it. Identify yourselves and do not hide behind unmarked vehicles, face masks, and vague credentials.”

Legislative Action in California

The incident has also sparked state legislative action, with State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez introducing Senate Bill 805, known as the No Vigilantes Act. This bill would require all law enforcement officers in California to wear identifiable uniforms with names or badge numbers and would also grant citizens the right to request identification from anyone claiming to be a law enforcement officer if there’s suspicion of criminal activity.

“We must protect Californians from fear of police impersonation during these unprecedented times,” said Senator Renée Pérez.

Conclusion

The arrest of Fernando Diaz sheds light on the growing concerns over the impersonation of law enforcement agents, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement. It has led to greater scrutiny of federal practices and local measures to ensure trust between law enforcement and the community. Diaz’s case remains under investigation as authorities determine the full extent of his alleged activities.