Scammer Poses as ICE Agent

A Southern California man admitted scamming Latino immigrants by posing as an ICE agent, defrauding victims out of tens of thousands of dollars. (justice.gov) Ronald J. Hubbard, 55, from Chula Vista, California, pleaded guilty on April 18, 2024, to one count of impersonating a federal officer and four counts of wire fraud. (justice.gov) He targeted vulnerable immigrants, many from Mexico and Central America, preying on their fear of deportation. (justice.gov) Hubbard posed as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, contacting victims via phone and demanding payments to avoid arrest or ensure favorable immigration outcomes. (justice.gov) He swindled at least $27,000 from 13 victims between 2020 and 2023, often receiving payments through cash apps or wire transfers. (justice.gov) Victims lost between $100 and $2,000 each, with some paying multiple times under threats of jail or ICE raids. (justice.gov) The scheme operated across Southern California, including San Diego and Riverside counties, where large immigrant communities live. (justice.gov) Hubbard faces up to 20 years in federal prison at his sentencing hearing on August 13, 2024, along with $27,000 in restitution and three years of supervised release. (justice.gov) The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized this case as part of efforts to combat fraud against immigrants. (justice.gov)