PANAMA CITY, Fla. — A Florida woman is behind bars after allegedly impersonating a federal immigration agent and kidnapping a woman who believed she was being detained by a legitimate officer, according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrested 35-year-old Latrance Battle on multiple felony charges after she allegedly approached a woman at her workplace on April 10, falsely identified herself as an “ICE” agent, and coerced the victim into her vehicle under false pretenses.
Battle was reportedly wearing a black shirt with “ICE” printed on the front, displayed a sheriff’s office business card, and carried a hand-held radio. The victim, who is currently in the process of obtaining legal residency in the U.S., said she believed the impersonation was real and complied out of fear.
While en route to what Battle claimed was a sheriff’s office, the situation escalated when Battle allegedly snatched the victim’s phone as she attempted to contact her lawyer and husband. Once they arrived at the Bridge Plaza Apartments, the victim fled and contacted authorities after becoming suspicious.
Deputies later located Battle in Fountain while she was reportedly en route to Alabama. She was taken into custody without incident.
Battle now faces charges including kidnapping in commission of a felony, robbery by sudden snatching, impersonating a law enforcement officer in commission of a felony, and felony violation of probation.
Key Points
- Latrance Battle impersonated ICE agent, kidnapped woman in Bay County
- Victim complied out of fear, believing Battle was a federal officer
- Battle arrested in Fountain and faces multiple felony charges
A terrifying impersonation ended in arrest after a woman posing as an ICE agent allegedly kidnapped an immigrant seeking legal status.