Luis A. Flores-Mendoza, Impersonating a Federal Officer, California 2024

SANTA ANA, California – Luis A. Flores-Mendoza, 26, of Santa Ana, California, is facing federal charges for allegedly posing as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent and extorting money from a victim.

Flores-Mendoza was arrested on Monday by Special Agents with ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and charged in a criminal complaint that federal prosecutors filed last week.

According to the federal complaint, the victim told Placentia police detectives that Flores-Mendoza arrived at her workplace last month clad in police tactical gear, including a vest, badge, and a firearm, which later proved to be a pellet gun. After allegedly identifying himself as an ICE agent, the victim said Flores-Mendoza presented her with a letter, purportedly from ICE, stating there was an immigration case against her. The defendant then allegedly instructed the victim to pay him $5,000 to prevent her and her child from being deported.

Flores-Mendoza was initially arrested and charged in state court earlier this month after an investigation by the Placentia Police Department. At the time of his original arrest on the state charge, Flores-Mendoza was driving a vehicle equipped with police-style strobe lights and a siren.

“Impersonating a federal agent not only harms the victim who encounters the impersonator, but it can also undermine the public’s confidence in law enforcement officers,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “In this case, the defendant allegedly posed as a federal agent in an effort to extort money from a vulnerable victim, who fortunately reported it to police.”

Flores-Mendoza was ordered freed on a $10,000 bond and directed to appear for his arraignment on August 29. If convicted of the impersonation charge, he faces a statutory maximum penalty of three years in federal prison.

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. The defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Keenan. HSI and the Placentia Police Department are continuing to investigate this case and urge members of the public who have information that may be relevant to contact the Placentia Police Department or ICE’s toll-free tip line – 1-866-DHS-2ICE – or use the agency’s online tip form.

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