Phony 'ICE' Agent Robs 2 Victims in Newark, Police Say

A New Jersey man has been linked to a pair of robberies involving a fake 'immigration officer', authorities announced.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:23am

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Julio Garcia Barrera, 44, of Newark, was arrested and charged with robbery and impersonating a public servant after police found him in a parked vehicle. Barrera is accused of posing as an immigration officer in two separate incidents, stopping victims on the street, searching them, and stealing their cash and personal items.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of impersonation crimes, where criminals pose as law enforcement or government officials to take advantage of vulnerable individuals. It also raises concerns about the impact of high-profile immigration enforcement actions in Newark, which may embolden scammers to target immigrant communities.

The details

In the first incident on January 22, a man reported being stopped by Barrera, who was driving a dark-colored SUV, claimed to be an immigration officer, and stole about $500 from the victim. In the second incident on January 24, Barrera and another man in a beige Jeep approached a victim, with Barrera flashing an 'ICE' emblem and stealing the victim's wallet containing $300, a driver's license, and a debit card.

  • On Thursday, January 22 at approximately 3:34 a.m., the first incident occurred.
  • On Saturday, January 24 at approximately 3:40 a.m., the second incident occurred.
  • On Tuesday, Barrera was arrested by Newark police.

The players

Julio Garcia Barrera

A 44-year-old Newark resident who has been charged with robbery and impersonating a public servant for posing as an immigration officer in two separate incidents.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Julio Garcia Barrera out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of impersonation crimes targeting vulnerable communities, and the need for increased vigilance and public awareness to prevent such scams, especially in areas with heightened immigration enforcement activity.