Church Worker Went for a Massage and Pretended to Be an ICE Agent to Avoid Paying — Then Threatened to Deport Her

• Fake ICE Agent Extorts Victim
• Arrest Made at Texas Church
• FBI Warns of ICE Impersonation Cases

According to EFE, a worker at an evangelical church in Texas was arrested after allegedly posing as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent to extort a migrant woman.

Authorities identified the suspect as Donald Doolittle, director of security at Gateway Community Church in Webster, a suburb of Houston.

The case has raised concern because it adds to a growing national wave of ICE impersonation cases, where individuals pretend to be immigration officials to exploit vulnerable people.

Local police confirmed the arrest to Houston TV station KTRK, detailing the charges filed against Doolittle.

Deception and Extortion Under a Fake Identity

HOUSTON: A church employee pretended to be ICE to extort a masseuse for money who is in the country legally with a temporary visa pic.twitter.com/q0j3xaXDXh

— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) November 24, 2025

Authorities say Doolittle hired the woman, who works as a massage therapist in northwest Houston.

When it came time to pay, the woman informed him she only accepted cash or Zelle transfers.

Doolittle then claimed he was an ICE agent, flashed a card with the agency’s logo, and asked to see her immigration documents.

The victim showed her temporary visa — but the suspect allegedly told her she needed to give him $500 or face arrest and permanent separation from her family.

Victim Reports the Crime — Investigation Opens

Fearing the threat, the woman transferred the money.

Doolittle then instructed her to delete their messages and said her “case” was closed.

The next day, the woman happened to encounter police officers while having lunch and told them what had happened.

Authorities immediately opened a formal investigation that led to Doolittle’s arrest.

Legal Status of the Suspect

Doolittle is being held on $10,000 bail as the case moves forward.

He has denied the accusations, according to local reports.

He faces charges for impersonating a public servant — a serious felony in Texas.

The case has also drawn attention because the suspect worked as director of security at a church, a position of trust that heightened the alarm.

Rise in ICE Impersonation Cases Across the United States

The incident is part of a broader trend in which individuals pretend to be federal immigration agents.

Several recent cases show impostors taking advantage of migrants’ fear and uncertainty, extorting or even kidnapping victims.

Frequent ICE operations in certain communities have made these scams easier to execute.

And the recent use of face coverings by officers in some raids has added to the confusion.

FBI Issues Warning About Fake ICE Agents

The situation has escalated enough for the FBI to issue a special advisory to ICE.

The notice urges ICE agents to properly identify themselves to the public in order to reduce confusion and limit opportunities for scammers.

The FBI warned that the surge in immigration enforcement has been exploited by criminals who target vulnerable immigrants.

The advisory was circulated in October and later made public by the organization Property of the People.

Impact on Vulnerable Communities

The FBI statement noted that these impersonations directly affect both the victims and migrant communities.

The agency emphasized that the incidents create broader negative consequences for law enforcement.

The document highlights that criminals exploit the fear and uncertainty surrounding immigration operations.

The alert aims to reduce the risk for people who already live under pressure because of their immigration status.