Huntington Park, CA – June 2025
Authorities in Huntington Park have apprehended a 24-year-old man, Fernando Diaz, suspected of impersonating a federal officer. Local police responded to a report of a vehicle parked illegally in a handicap spot and discovered Diaz with a loaded firearm and various law enforcement-related items.
The vehicle, a gray Dodge Durango, initially raised suspicions due to its display of red and blue LED lights, police-grade radios, and a firearm magazine. However, police later found it belonged to a private resident in Los Angeles and not a law enforcement agency.
As officers prepared to tow the vehicle, Diaz identified himself as its owner and attempted to retrieve belongings he claimed were someone else’s. During questioning, he stated he had previously worked as a security guard and alleged ties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, but could not provide legitimate identification.
A deeper investigation unveiled that Diaz had an outstanding DUI warrant and a history of human smuggling offenses. Following his arrest, authorities found a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun, various ammunition, three unregistered passports, cellphones, and documents labeled with the Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection logos. A sheet containing federal radio codes was also discovered, raising further alarm about potential criminal activities.
Diaz ultimately ceased cooperation with officers and requested legal representation. Huntington Park Mayor Arturo Flores expressed the community’s unease, stating, "When citizens cannot trust those enforcing the law, it threatens public safety."
In light of concerns regarding unauthorized immigration enforcement activities in the community, the City Council has enacted a resolution compelling local law enforcement to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a federal immigration officer. This decision follows reports from residents about encounters with masked individuals in unmarked cars, claiming to be immigration agents but failing to provide identification.
Mayor Flores emphasized cooperation during lawful federal operations but insisted on transparency: "If you operate under federal authority, identify yourselves. Do not mask your identity with unmarked vehicles and false credentials."
Huntington Park Police Chief Cosme Lozano highlighted the importance of this incident in addressing public safety and the necessity for clear identification in federal enforcement actions. Further information will be released as the investigation progresses.