MOBILE COUNTY Ala. On Friday, July 11, 2025, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office was involved in a pursuit that began in Prichard at 1:14 am.
MCSO Deputies initiated a traffic stop but the vehicle continued driving at a high rate of speed and refused to stop.
The vehicle continued back onto I-10, fleeing at a high rate of speed without headlights. As the pursuit continued, the vehicle exited I-10 and continued to the Dauphin Island Parkway, where a PIT maneuver was authorized and completely disabled the vehicle.
As deputies were attempting to remove the passengers from the vehicle, one of the deputy’s firearm discharged and hit one of the suspects in the buttocks. He was taken to a local hospital and released.
There were three people in the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s department.
The driver and the person who was shot, Zachery Reed (DOB 09/24/06), were the front passengers.
Anthony Phillips (DOB 04/23/07) was the back passenger who fled the scene.
Reed and Phillips were arrested and taken to Metro Jail.
The sheriff’s office is still looking for the backseat passenger.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
PERDIDO KEY, Fla. The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing an investigation into a double-fatal pedestrian wreck involving a University of Alabama student that occurred in Perdido Key.
Jackson Cunningham was currently a student at the University of Alabama and a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, was one of the people killed. The other victim was identified as 20-year-old Nicole Moore from Calera, Alabama. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Cunningham was a native of Hoover, Alabama.
The crash happened early Saturday around 3 a.m. on Perdido Key Drive near River Road.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers stated that that the victims were hit by an off-duty Escambia County deputy in an unmarked patrol car as they were crossing the street.
FHP says the deputy — a 47-year-old Pensacola man — had been returning home from an off-duty job at the time of the crash. He was not injured in the crash and has not been identified by name.
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office employee was not actively patrolling nor on duty,” FHP says. “The Florida Highway Patrol remains diligent and focused on our investigation into this crash, as we are with all of the ones we unfortunately have to work.”
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says the deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave, per policy.
“They did not activate the crosswalk lights and went across he road in the dark,” Commissioner Steve Stroberger said. “And I think there was an EMS vehicle that was actually en route to another call, and they actually witnessed it. And they noticed that the crosswalk light hadn’t been activated.”
FHP said that they will not release any further information at this time.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. July 8, 2025– There are now harsher penalties for “super speeders”, drivers who go more than 100 mph anywhere or 50mph over the speed limit.
Authorities in Orange County nabbed the first offender just minutes after the law took effect.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office posted this video after arresting one driver caught hitting triple-digit speeds just two minutes after the new “super speeder” law went into effect on July 1.
“I’m Sergeant James with the sheriff’s office. The reason you’re being stopped is that the speed limit is 70mph- you were doing 104 coming up behind me,” James said.
“Driving like that, they’re putting everyone’s life in danger,” driver Dan Tripp said. “I drive quite a bit, and every day I see people just flying down the interstate.
“Maybe stiffer penalties will make them think twice about speeding,” he added.
Before the new law, these kinds of infractions were typically handled with just fines, no jail time.
Now, that’s changed.
First-time offenders face a $500 fine, 30 days in jail, or both. For repeat offenders: a $1000 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.
If you do it twice within 5 years, your license could be suspended for a year.
“I think it’s a little bit harsh,” driver Treagan Watson said. “The 50 over that’s probably fair, maybe going over 100 because depending on where you’re at it’s only like 30 miles over the speed limit so that might be a little harsh to go to jail for 30 days, but I think it will probably discourage people from going fast.”
The ultimate goal is safety.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office did not release the identity of the first driver they caught violating the law.
BALDWIN COUNTY Ala. While many of us relaxed and enjoyed the July 4th holiday with friends and family, more than four dozen people were arrested on drug and DUI charges. Almost ten others were charged with serious and violent offenses.
ALEA troopers made at least five arrests for Boating Under the Influence while officers on the roadway in Baldwin and Mobile Counties made almost two dozen arrests for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs.
Police in Robertsdale charged Kenneth Larry Devine with Assault on Law Enforcement and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.
Kristen K Culberson, 44, was arrested in Baldwin County and charged with multiple counts of Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia.
Tara Michelle Mothershead, 44, was arrested in Baldwin County and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia.
Sadie Alexandra Ogburn, 23, was taken into custody in Baldwin County and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine.
Damian Steven Thatcher was arrested by Foley Police and charged with Sex Offense, Failure of Adult Sex Offender to Register with Local Law Enforcement, and/ or comply with Residence Restrictions.
Curtis J Jones, 32, was arrested in Bay Minette for Public Intoxication and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Sierra Lynn Pollard was arrested for Resisting and Obstructing Law Enforcement and Public Intoxication in Baldwin County.
Richard Eugene Cornell, 37, was arrested and booked into the Baldwin County Detention Center for Possession of Methamphetamine.
The Gulf Shores police arrested Landon Alexander Germany, 20, and charged him with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Alcohol by a minor. He was also charged with Possession of Synthetic Narcotics. Germany faces 15 charges in all.
Gulf Shores police also arrested April Elizabeth Hamric, 41, on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia-1st Offense, and Possession of Dangerous Drugs. Hamric faces a total of 6 charges.
Baldwin County Law Enforcement also arrested John Steven Malone, 50, and charged him with 2nd Degree Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Dangerous Drugs. Malone faces 22 criminal charges in all.
Robert Vincent Blanche, 70, was also arrested by Baldwin County Law Enforcement and charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs and Possession of Amphetamine.
Natalie Anne Lambert, 47, was also charged with Possession of Dangerous Drugs and Possession of Amphetamine and Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs. She was booked into the Baldwin County Detention Center.
Charles Robert Weidinger, 50, has been charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Illegal Drugs, Ex-Felon in Possession of a Firearm in Baldwin County, and currently faces a total of 25 charges.
Leen Ayman Ayyad, 19, was arrested by State Troopers for Fleeing and Eluding, Resisting and Obstruction after a vehicle pursuit on Interstate 10 in Baldwin County.
William Tyler Jarrell, 32, was arrested by ALEA for DUI and booked into the Baldwin County Detention Center.
Leroy V Neil, 31, was also stopped by police while Driving Under the Influence and booked into the Baldwin County Detention Center.
Christopher Zane Hall, 28, was arrested by ALEA troopers for Operating a Vessel Under the Influence of Alcohol and taken to the Baldwin County Detention Center.
Mobile County saw a substantial number of drug arrests over the holiday weekend. Some of these arose from traffic stops, and others were made through investigations. There were also a high number of arrests for Driving Under the Influence.
Jatorian M Little Illegal Poss. Prescription Drugs/ Marijuana//illegal handgun
Tyler Shackleford DUI/Poss Drugs
Tyrek D Gaines Possession of Marijuana 1st Degree/Obstructing Police
Thomas Own Courtney DUI
Stanley L Payne Possession of Controlled Substance//Eluding Police
JJ Alexander Possession of Controlled Substance/Possession of Marijuana/ Possession of Prescription Drugs/Eluding Police
Carlos F Fortune Possession of Marijuana
B DARRINGTON Possession of Marijuana
Matthew I Carl Possession of Controlled Substances
James W Morrisette Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Mercedes R Diaz Possession of Marijuana
Samuel L Nelson Possession of a Controlled Substance/Eluding Police
Ryan W Hammac Possession of Controlled Substances/Illegal Weapons
Conner J Holifield Possession of a Controlled Substance
Markeise Jacobs Possession of a Controlled Substance
Martin A Speicher Possession of a Controlled Substance/Possession of Marijuana
David J Johnson Possession of Marijuana/ 1st//Trafficking Fentanyl/Possession of a Controlled Substance
Lillian E Tinsley Possession of Marijuana 1st
William J Brown Possession of Marijuana
Mandingo Simms Jr Resisting Arrest/Possession of Marijuana
Cedrick L Eaton Possession of a Controlled Substance/ Possession of Marijuana
Shawn C Shamburger POM 2nd Possession of Marijuana -2nd degree
Moesha Tabb-Hendricks Driving Under the Influence
Jamar Withers Resisting Arrest/Possession of Marijuana
Steven Glen Watson Possession of Marijuana 1st/rec stolen property
Desmond A Harris Possession of Marijuana/Driving Offenses
On Monday, July 7, 2025, some overnight, early Monday arrests were still being processed.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. A search for a missing boater in Baldwin County has ended tragically with the recovery of his body.
Searchers who were dispatched to the area included the marine police, the U.S. Coast Guard, Daphne Search and Rescue, and others who were searching for the boater since he went missing on Saturday, July 5, 2025, when the 49-year-old male boater went missing near an artificial reef called Buffalo Barge.
Daphne Search and Rescue said they continued searching on Sunday and recovered the boater’s body 17 miles from Perdido Pass.
The body of a missing boater was recovered on Sunday, July 6, according to Daphne Search and Rescue. At this time his name has not been released.
Rescue crews said they used sonar to find the missing boater and encountered aggressive wildlife during the recovery.
The Coast Guard said they are investigating the incident.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE Alabama July 7, 2025 The Alabama city of Mobile has been steadily growing as a hub for Airbus training and stateside production since it first opened in 2014. Today, the AIDT Aviation Training Center works in tandem with Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley as the top workforce development unit in Alabama. The facility was proud to deliver the first American-made A220 just a few years after opening, in 2020.
The Mobile commercial aircraft manufacturing facility is focused on Airbus’ staple narrowbody families that are flown by many carriers in the US, the A320 and A220 series. Production began in 2015 and has delivered hundreds of jets made in the USA since then.
The AIDT training facility uses full-scale aircraft sections and tooling systems to deliver first-class training as Airbus continuously expands the Mobile assembly lines. Built specifically to teach workers the high-precision skills required to produce A320 and A220 aircraft, the facility represents a $7 million investment. From fuselage joining and quality control to precision drilling and avionics installation, AIDT provides practical training that equips learners to get started right away.
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, commented on the importance of the Aeroplex and AIDT in a report for Made In Alabama. Just before departing for her business development mission to the 2025 Paris Air Show, she said:
“The AIDT Aviation Training Center is a powerful example of Alabama’s commitment to workforce excellence. This training facility not only supports one of the world’s top aerospace companies but ensures that Alabamians are first in line for high-quality, high-wage careers in this vital industry. And it shows the world that for Alabama, the sky isn’t the limit — it’s just the beginning.”
Not just in the US, but in the world, Delta Air Lines is currently the largest A220 customer, with a total of 131 A220 aircraft in firm orders. Delta was the first carrier in the Americas to fly both the A220-100 and A220-300 aircraft types. According to Planespotters data, 73 of those jets have been delivered so far. As a clean-sheet design, the A220 achieves 25% lower operating costs per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft.
Originally developed as the Bombardier CSeries, the A220 is the quietest and cleanest aircraft in its category. The plane was rebranded after the program was adopted by Airbus. The jet has a 50% lower noise footprint than previous generations of regional jets and a 25% lower fuel burn per seat. Emissions are 50% lower than industry standards demand.
The A220 is billed by Airbus as a great aircraft for neighborhood airports with the lowest tolerance for noise pollution. The manufacturer describes the cabin as having a widebody feel thanks to its large seats, first-in-class overhead storage, large windows, and tall cargo belly bay. The A220 is set to edge out competing models from Embraer and even Bombardier, which began its development.
The aircraft is incredibly versatile and provides the airline with a unique advantage.
The single-aisle, narrowbody Airbus A320 has been steadily gaining market share due to reduced Boeing 737 production in the last few years. The number of US-based carriers with large A320 family fleets includes the big three of Delta, American, and United Airlines. Then there are the US’s low-cost carriers(LCCs) that are almost exclusively flying Airbus jets like JetBlue,Spirit, and Frontier Airlines.
As Boeing has struggled to make enough of the 737 MAX series to satisfy its loyal customers, it has lost ground to the efficient European narrowbodies. Airbus has reliably been producing A320neo jets for years, as the latest iteration of Boeing’s best-selling jet is bottlenecked due to quality control issues that caused tragic crashes.
The 737 is still the most prolific jet in the world and the most mass-produced commercial jet in history, but as Boeing stalls, Airbus is catching up. We may see the A320 family surpass the 737 in the near future as the most popular airliner if Boeing is unable to make up for lost time and opportunity.
TALLADEGA Ala. A request for the police to do a welfare check on a residence was more than anyone could expect.
Talladega police were dispatched about 3:30 p.m. Saturday to the residence on Old Shocco Road after receiving a request for a welfare check on someone who had not been heard from since Thursday.
Once at the residence, police could not get anyone to the door, but things looked and felt out of place, so officers made entry and found three men and a woman dead. All had been shot, according to the Talladega County Coroner’s Office.
Coroner Shaddix Murphy identified the men as Nicholas Keith, 44, Jeffreon Keith, 40, and Jamari Evans, 27. The Keiths were cousins.
The woman has been identified as Querida Flores. She was 30.
At this time the police do not know if this was a murder-suicide situation or if it is a quadruple homicide and the suspect is on the run.
In 2023, Talladega Alabama had less than ten homicides.
It was not immediately clear how long the victims had been dead.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
Orange Beach, Ala. The City of Orange Beach is hosting a new, family-friendly event this summer, offering a chance for kids and adults to share a special night out together.
The inaugural Summer Soirée promises an evening of fun, music, and memories designed for both children and their parents.
The Orange Beach Park and Recreation announced that the event will include dancing, dinner, games, prizes, and professional photography. Organizers say it will feel like a mix between a Daddy-Daughter Dance and a festive Mardi Gras Ball.
The Summer Soirée will take place on Friday, July 25, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Orange Beach Event Center. This first-time event encourages families to come dressed in their “Sunday Best” to enjoy a night of celebration. Tickets are $20 per person and space is limited, so early purchase is recommended.
The evening is designed to help families connect and celebrate the summer in a joyful and elegant atmosphere. Dinner will be served on-site, and a DJ will provide music for dancing. Kids and adults will also enjoy various games and activities throughout the evening.
Attendees will receive professional photos to take home, making it easy to remember the evening for years to come. City officials say this event is just one of many ways they are working to create more inclusive and engaging activities for the community.
Tickets are now available at the Orange Beach Event Center’s ticketing website. Due to space limitations, only a set number of tickets will be sold.
MOBILE Ala. The City of Mobile will begin enforcing a curfew in the Downtown Entertainment District for individuals under 18.
The Mobile Police Department will enforce the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily to protect our community’s youth.
Juveniles caught breaking the curfew will be arrested and transported to the Strickland Youth Detention Center.
Mobile Police urge parents and guardians to be aware of the curfew times and accompany their young ones during late hours to ensure their safety and adherence to the ordinance.
ORANGE BEACH Ala. Rumors and statements being made around the City of Orange Beach is that its Police Chief, Steve Brown, will be parting ways with the city after five years of serving as the Baldwin County beach community’s head law enforcement officer.
According to city sources, Brown will resign after five years of serving as the Baldwin County beach community’s head law enforcement officer, though no official reason was given.
Chief Brown confirmed that he would be retiring on September 1st of this year.
The Orange Beach City Council unanimously appointed Steve Brown as the Chief of Police on June 16, 2020.
Brown has been a full-time police officer in Orange Beach since 1995 when Police Chief Robert Vincent hired him.
There’s no word on who will be the next police chief.
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MOBILE, Ala. A tragic accident has claimed the lives of two juveniles after being fatally struck by a motor vehicle.
The pedestrians, a 15-year-old juvenile and a 16-year-old juvenile, were fatally injured when they were struck while walking in the area of Airport Blvd. near Trailwood Blvd., approximately 1 mile west of Mobile, in Mobile County.
Both were struck by a 2018 Dodge Journey, driven by Elizabeth Nicole Coker Taylor, 36, of Mobile.
According to ALEA, the single-vehicle wreck occurred at approximately 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The juveniles were pronounced deceased at the scene.
At this time, their names have not been released.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is continuing the investigation.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
DAPHNE, Ala. A man at a local bar in Daphne identified himself as a federal agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). He even went so far as to tell numerous people that he was there working a drug sting.
The Daphne Police Department was made aware of the incident that had occurred at the Top of the Bay bar and responded to the business and quickly identified Donnie England Jr. as the man who had falsely identified himself as a federal agent.
Police said that England was at the bar on Friday, June 27 with a badge and a gun telling people he was working a sting.
Daphne Police verified that England was not a law enforcement officer and arrested him for impersonating a peace officer.
Employees at the Top of the Bay had asked England to take his firearm to his vehicle because he was drinking but he refused.
England was released on a $5,000 bond, according to court records.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
Orange Beach police received information on Tuesday that there had been a credible threat made, and law enforcement responded accordingly.
City offices were immediately put on temporary lockdown as a precaution as police investigated the threat according to officials.
According to law enforcement, the threat was received by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Marine Patrol office which has its office in Orange Beach.
Police were assigned to city buildings, and a heavy police presence was seen in the area.
According to law enforcement, the threat had come from a person whom they were familiar with.
Later in the day, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said the perceived threat against Orange Beach has not been validated.
ORANGE BEACH Ala. The Orange Beach City Council approved a resolution to spend $81,000 on new Flock Safety cameras and software.
The city has already been using License Plate Readers (LPR) at the entrance to the city and on several other main roads.
Recently, Orange Beach received a Governor’s grant for equipment which included additional License Plate Readers.
Flock Safety license plate reader cameras take snapshots of tags and alert law enforcement to stolen vehicles and wanted subjects. The software stores videos and investigators can search for hotlist items such as dogs, backpacks, or specific vehicles.
Orange Beach police conducted a Flock camera trial recently and were happy with its results, so the city has decided to add four cameras and purchase a subscription with Flock Safety.
During an interview in April with Orange Beach Police Lt. Johnson he stated that the city already had four license plate readers in use at undisclosed locations and that OBPD would be adding 12-14 more ALPRs.
Johnson also stated that data from the ALPRs is deleted every thirty days.
The APLRs will be used to deter crime and to alert police when it scans a license plate that comes back to a stolen vehicle or wanted person.
The police department did not specify where the cameras would be installed.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide on the Flock Safety network can share data.
Council members approved the resolution with no discussion.
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ORANGE BEACH, Ala. A boat fire Monday afternoon injured two people and destroyed the vessel that was at the Safe Harbor Sportsman Marina.
The call for help came in just after 4:15 p.m. and when firefighters arrived, they found a fully engulfed vessel which posed a threat to the dock and nearby boats.
The Orange Beach Fire Department, police, EMS and ALEA Marine Police all responded to the scene.
Police said that two people were transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.
Orange Beach Fire Chief Jeff Smith said that the fire was extinguished at around 4:39 p.m.
ALEA Marine Patrol is currently investigating.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
The 4th of July holiday is just days away, but some folks have already begun their celebrations by lighting off fireworks.
But before we think about introducing fireworks to our festivities, safety should be a priority and strict adherence to firework instructions and local laws should be at the forefront of our fun.
Every year, approximately 9,700 people in the U.S. are treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. This number includes both adults and children, with a significant number of injuries occurring during the Fourth of July holiday period. And sadly, around 12 people are killed annually by fireworks.
Fireworks can be fun and put a smile on many faces, but they are not toys and many of them can be very dangerous in so many ways.
Some safety steps to keep in mind:
Always follow the instructions of all fireworks
It’s important to never modify or tamper with purchased fireworks.
Always shoot fireworks away from structures and vehicles or flammable liquids or material to avoid damaging property or setting a fire
Stand 35 feet away from ground fireworks and 150 feet away from aerial fireworks
Do not allow children under the age of 12 to light fireworks
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
Sparklers can burn up to 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to burn metal
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Anyone who is using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
Never light them indoors
Never point, or throw fireworks at another person
Never ignite devices in a container
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
Never use illegal fireworks
If someone is injured, immediately call 911. Do not think that it’s a minor burn or injury. Keep the injured area and wrap it with a clean dressing when possible and wait for first responders to render aid.
Also remember that in many areas, especially cities, and even in some counties, it is a criminal offense to use or even possess fireworks. You may be issued a criminal citation or even be arrested and taken to jail. Know the laws in your area.
Above all else, be safe, treat all fireworks as you would any dangerous object and have fun!
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MONTGOMERY Ala. Thousands of families across the state have taken advantage of the new school choice program that allows parents to choose which school is right for their child and now a new law allows private and charter schools to partner with local governments to hire school resource officers (SROs), providing what supporters say is a critical boost in campus safety.
Senate Bill 4, passed during the most recent legislative session, and created a legal pathway for private entities to fund law enforcement salaries through agreements with municipal or county agencies.
Some private schools do currently use private contract security officers or their own staff to provide physical campus security but prior to this new law, the schools were not able to hire area law enforcement to provide such services.
“This law now allows private or church-based schools to have a consistent, full-time officer or deputy assigned to their campus,” said Russell Bedsole with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s
While the bill opens the door for new partnerships, it includes provisions to ensure public schools remain the top priority.
Law enforcement agencies must provide coverage to all public schools in their jurisdiction before entering agreements with private institutions.
“The last thing we want is to divert resources away from public schools,” Bedsole said. “This law ensures everyone is protected—public and private alike.”
Supporters say the benefits go beyond safety. The presence of a consistent school resource officer (SRO) can also foster mentorship and improve relationships between students and law enforcement.
“It’s always about the kids,” said Mac Hardy, director of operations for the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). “Our officers aren’t just law enforcement—they’re mentors and positive role models.”
The bill also aims to help law enforcement agencies with recruitment, giving students the opportunity to see law enforcement officers in a new light.
Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill into law earlier this year and as of June 1, all private and charter schools across Alabama now have the option to hire SROs through their local or county governments.
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MOBILE, Ala. More than a dozen sheriff departments in Alabama have now partnered with ICE to enforce immigration laws, transport prisoners or incarcerate them in county jails during their deportation process.
Both sheriffs in Mobile and Baldwin County have entered into agreements with ICE and will conduct various duties in the deporting illegal immigrants. It’s called the 287(g) program and allows state and local law enforcement agencies to have some limited immigration authority after deputies have been trained. Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch says he wants as many deputies as possible to receive the training. “Especially the ones that patrol the areas that border the interstate,” said Burch. “And our special operations guys.”
Recently, universities and colleges including several in Alabama have also been trained in immigration enforcement and partnered with ICE under the 287g program.
Nationwide, some law enforcement officers are providing assistance in the apprehension of illegal immigrants, while others only assist with transporting the prisoner to a federal processing center.
Locally, Burch said that in recent months his deputies have driven a “couple hundred” illegal immigrants to Hancock County Jail in Mississippi for processing to help the federal immigration enforcement task force. He said that there are hundreds of people in Mobile County in the country illegally. He says he recently inked the 287(g) agreement with ICE which will allow trained officers to have authority to execute warrants and perform background checks to determine someone’s immigration status.
The additional training and agreement with ICE allows the deputies to move forward when they engage with suspect illegal immigrants.
Burch says space is limited at the Mobile County jail and hinders how many can be held at the jail at any given time but in Baldwin County, a new addition to the county jail will be finished soon giving them additional room to hold ICE prisoners, Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery stated.
In Northwest Florida, more than two-dozen Santa Rosa County deputies have participated in the task force and warrant service, with more planning to join. In Escambia County, 19 deputies have been involved in 287(g) training.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE Ala. Nationwide there has been a rise in Fake ICE agents and ICE vehicles.
Federal law enforcement hasn’t determined any one specific reason why it’s happening but is warning people that if they’re caught impersonating a federal law enforcement agent they will face serious consequences including prison time.
California, Washington State, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida are just a few states where fake ICE agents or vehicles have been spotted.
Recently in Washington State, local and federal officers were looking for an impostor allegedly posing as a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration agent. The impersonator was caught on surveillance camera driving a vehicle with the word “ICE” on it in the parking lot of a Ukrainian market in Fife.
“The vehicle had predominant decals that had a similarity to the U.S. Department of Homeland emblem, and large letters ICE which, of course, implies the Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” said Assistant Chief Doug Newman of the Fife Police Department.
The vehicle was seen circling the parking lot of a market that is patronized by Ukrainians. An ICE spokesperson confirmed the vehicle did not belong to DHS.
Ilya Kukhar, 26, was later apprehended and charged in March for impersonating an ICE officer.
Another fake ICE agent was spotted by a driver who saw a vehicle with ICE logos driving on Interstate 95 entering Florida from Georgia and called the police when he saw that the vehicle’s license plate was not a government tag but rather a regular passenger vehicle license plate instead. He posted pictures of it on social media.
In Huntington Park California, police responded to a parking complaint and saw what they thought was an unmarked police SUV illegally parked. A man soon approached them identifying himself as an agent with US Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
24-year-old Fernando Diaz, had a loaded firearm, law enforcement-style documents, red and blue lights, and other police paraphernalia but he was not a law enforcement agent with any police agency.
He also had documents bearing the letterhead of Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection.
Further investigation revealed Diaz had an outstanding warrant for driving under the influence and a prior arrest related to human smuggling. Officers arrested him on the scene. During a search of the vehicle, police say they recovered a loaded 9mm semi-automatic firearm, two holsters, extra ammunition, three cellphones, multiple copies of passports not registered under his name, and documents bearing the letterhead of Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. Officers also say they found a sheet of federal radio codes and other materials they say may indicate criminal intent.
Last week in Pennsylvania, a man impersonated an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent to intimidate the employees of a Northeast Philadelphia auto repair center and steal about $1,000.
Robert Rosado, 54, allegedly donned a badge, radio, holstered handgun, and tactical vest reading “Security Enforcement Agent” when he entered the mechanic shop on the 6500 block of Harbison Avenue on June 8. Identifying himself as an immigration agent, he reportedly told workers that he would be taking undocumented employees into custody. According to Philly prosecutors, he then zip-tied the hands of a woman in the shop and took about $1,000 before fleeing the scene in an unmarked white van. Law enforcement obtained the license plate information after collecting surveillance footage from the Mayfair neighborhood. They discovered that the car was registered to Rosado, and later connected him to two properties. In subsequent searches of those properties, investigators found a fake badge, zip ties, black radio, holster, and airsoft gun. Rosado was charged with robbery, assault, false imprisonment, and other crimes Monday following his apprehension on June 18.
Some impersonators do it for the authority, and power that it gives them over others said Mike Powell, a retired federal agent. Others do it out of hate for the people who have moved to this country and still others do it to commit other crimes such as robbery, rape, and extortion.
In South Carolina, a man pulled Latino men from a car, yelled they were “going back to Mexico,” and took their keys. In North Carolina, another posed as an ICE officer and told a woman she’d be deported unless she complied sexually. And in Pennsylvania, two Temple University students wearing “ICE” shirts disrupted a residence hall and a dessert shop while falsely identifying themselves as federal agents.
Not only does this criminal activity pose a risk to those being accosted by fake law enforcement but also to any real law enforcement that spots what they believe is an immigration enforcement action and stops to “assist” these fake agents not realizing that they are not real law enforcement.
Fake cops have always been an issue across the country for decades but now it seems that even more people have become emboldened and seemingly unafraid of the severe consequences that they face for criminal impersonation and any other crimes that they commit while pretending to be law enforcement.
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