Man Arrested in Newark for Impersonating an ICE Agent to Commit Robberies

Impersonation of ICE Agent

Street Robberies

Arrest in Newark

According to Univision, a Newark man was arrested for allegedly posing as an immigration agent to intimidate and rob multiple people in different parts of the city.

The arrest followed a series of incidents reported on consecutive days, all sharing a similar pattern of impersonation and theft.

Local authorities confirmed that the suspect used clothing with insignia resembling ICE logos to deceive his victims.

What Happened

Man arrested in Newark for impersonating an ICE agent to rob victims. https://t.co/Yg7xWxMAkr

— N+ UNIVISION NUEVA YORK (@nmasunivisionNY) January 28, 2026

The Newark Department of Public Safety reported that a man was arrested Tuesday on charges of impersonating an agent from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to official information, the suspect was identified as Julio García Barrera, 44, a resident of Newark.

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Authorities stated that Barrera is allegedly connected to multiple street robberies that occurred during the early morning hours.

In all reported cases, the suspect allegedly used intimidation and the appearance of authority to commit the crimes.

The incidents occurred in different areas of the city and involved victims who were walking alone.

How the Newark ICE Impersonation Suspect Operated

Newark ICE impersonation ends in arrest – PHOTO: Tia Dufour / U.S. Department of Homeland Security

According to police, the first incident occurred around 3:34 a.m. on Thursday, January 22.

The victim was walking along North 8th Street when he was intercepted by a dark SUV driven by Julio García Barrera.

The suspect identified himself as an immigration agent and was wearing a sweatshirt with an emblem similar to ICE.

He allegedly pinned the victim against a vehicle and stole approximately $500 from his wallet.

After the robbery, Julio García Barrera suspect fled the scene.

A second incident was reported on Saturday, January 24, around 3:40 a.m.

In that case, another man was approached by two individuals traveling in a beige Jeep.

The passenger identified himself as an ICE agent and displayed a badge-like emblem to support his claim.

The victim reported that about $300, his driver’s license, and a debit card were stolen.

Authorities determined both cases were related due to the similar method used.

Arrest and Charges

On January 27, detectives investigating the second incident located Julio García Barrera inside a parked vehicle.

Barrera was found on the 200 block of 1st Avenue, according to the official report.

The arrest was carried out without further incident.

Following his arrest, Barrera was taken into custody and formally processed.

He is currently facing charges of robbery and impersonating a public official.

Both charges are considered serious offenses and could result in significant prison time.

Authorities urged residents to verify official credentials.

They also advised the public not to hand over money or personal documents to anyone claiming to be a federal agent without valid identification.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials determine whether additional victims may be linked to these incidents.