Unmarked agents detain people in Palm Springs, prompting police warning ⋆ The Palm Springs Post

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*Men in uniforms without identification, driving unmarked vehicles, are seen detaining a person on Monday. (Submitted photo)*

People without uniforms or identification who claimed to be federal officers stopped and detained individuals in Palm Springs on Monday, prompting the police chief to issue a public advisory about verifying the identity of anyone claiming law enforcement authority.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said his department initially could not confirm the identity of the individuals after checking with several federal agencies. “We checked with several federal agencies who denied having agents in Palm Springs,” Mills said.

After multiple phone calls, a supervisor with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations eventually confirmed they had a team working in Palm Springs. Mills noted 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,” Mills said.

The chief advised residents to call 911 if contacted by people claiming to be federal agents who lack proper identification. “If you are contacted or stopped by people claiming to be federal agents in unmarked cars who have no identification, uniforms, or credentials, call 911 and officers will respond to verify their identity,” Mills said.

Mills explained that verified agents will be allowed to proceed with their duties while impostors will be arrested. He also cautioned residents against resisting legitimate law enforcement.

“Please do not run, flee, or resist federal agents in the performance of their duties,” Mills said. “Violence against law enforcement is unacceptable.”

Still, the impact on workers has been notable.

“My guys are so frightened,” one business owner said in an email to The Post. “I am spending big money on an immigration lawyer for them and me. It’s very complicated and there are not not many solutions, or even answers.”

Monday’s incidents come after other enforcement actions in the Coachella Valley, as federal authorities have increased deportation efforts across the country. During mid-June, ICE officers took multiple undocumented individuals in the Eastern Coachella Valley while conducting a large-scale narcotics probe targeting cannabis operations.