Huntington Park Arrests Highlight Risks of Fake Federal Agent Claims

Fernando Diaz, a 23-year-old man from Los Angeles, was arrested in Huntington Park after police found him in possession of law enforcement-like gear, including a loaded 9mm firearm, multiple passports not in his name, radio codes for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and official-looking documents from Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. Diaz was stopped after police noticed his unmarked Dodge Durango parked illegally in a handicapped spot, which had red and blue LED lights and police radios, leading officers to suspect it was a fake police vehicle. Diaz claimed he had worked as a security guard and with Customs and Border Protection but failed to provide any valid credentials. The arrest occurred amid increased immigration enforcement activity in the Los Angeles area. Diaz has an outstanding warrant for DUI and a prior arrest related to human smuggling. Police continue to investigate the potential criminal intent behind Diaz's possession of the equipment and documents.