Police Chief Confirms ICE Operations in Palm Springs Using Unmarked Vehicles

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills confirmed this week that ICE agents have been operating in the city using unmarked vehicles and no uniforms, creating confusion and concern about the identity of federal officers detaining individuals in the community. In a public statement on Facebook on June 30th, Chief Mills acknowledged that people without uniforms had appeared as federal officers and stopped and detained individuals in Palm Springs. The lack of clear identification initially led to uncertainty about whether the agents were legitimate law enforcement.

"I am aware that people without uniforms appeared as federal officers, and stopped and detained individuals in Palm Springs. We checked with several federal agencies, who denied having agents in Palm Springs," Mills stated.

After multiple phone calls to various federal agencies, Mills said a supervisor with ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) eventually confirmed they had a team working in Palm Springs.

"The vehicles used had no outward markings designating them as law enforcement. Because there are no uniforms or identification, the agency's identity was unclear," the police chief explained.

Mills advised residents that if they are contacted or stopped by people claiming to be federal agents in unmarked cars who have no identification, uniforms, or credentials, they should call 911 and officers will respond to verify their identity. He assured that verified agents will be allowed to proceed with their duties while impostors will be arrested. The police chief also emphasized that residents should not run, flee, or resist federal agents in the performance of their duties, stating that "violence against law enforcement is unacceptable."