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Resident says bounty hunters impersonated ICE agents; police urge 911 calls and video evidence
Summary
A Montclair resident reported people impersonating ICE agents and police in her neighborhood; police captain told council the department will not assist federal immigration enforcement and urged residents to call 911 and record suspicious encounters.
A Montclair resident told the City Council she and neighbors are living in fear after an incident she said occurred Wednesday, June 25, when people in white trucks reportedly impersonated police or ICE agents and asked a neighbor for identification.
"They asked one of my neighbors... if he had papers," Rosemary Angulo told the council during the public‑comment period, adding that the individuals carried guns and did not display identifying credentials. She said she filed a police report and asked what the city would do to protect residents.
Council leaders and police responders said the matter falls largely under federal jurisdiction for immigration enforcement but stressed local options for residents. The presiding official noted that local authority is limited: "This is, unfortunately, a federal action. It's not a local action," the chair said, and urged residents who fear apprehension to consult experienced immigration attorneys.
Captain Ventura of the Montclair Police Department responded directly to the resident and said department policy forbids assisting federal immigration enforcement in strictly immigration matters. "Our policies prohibit our participation, assisting, directing, anything with federal agents when it comes strictly to immigration. We, we will not participate," the captain said, and added that police will check calls for service related to impersonation and encourage residents to call 911 when they see suspicious behavior.
Police recommended three steps for residents: call 911 to get an official police response, record suspected impersonators when safe to do so, and consult an immigration attorney if someone believes they are at legal risk. The chair reiterated that the department has no authority to arrest federal agents and encouraged evidence collection to support any later legal action.
No formal council action was taken; staff and police offered to meet with the resident after the meeting to review details and follow up on the reported call for service.
