Houston officials are warning that people posing as federal agents and telling residents of the hurricane-stricken city to evacuate their homes in an apparent attempt to burglarize the empty residences.
The warning came in a statement released Tuesday night by the city of Houston.
"There are disturbing reports that people impersonating Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents are knocking on doors in the Houston area telling residents to evacuate — presumably so these imposters can rob the empty homes," officials said in the statement. "Real HSI officials wear badges that are labeled 'special agent,' which members of the public can ask to see and verify.
"ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers with Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) also wear badges labeled with ERO Officer. They also carry credentials with their name and organization.
"Members of the public who receive such visitors should ask to see these properly labeled badges, and their credentials."
Federal Emergency Management officials had said earlier ICE agents and those from Customs and Border Protection would not be checking immigration status at shelters in the region, according to the Washington Examiner.
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