Caller reported male with weapon demanding identification from customers; police clear scene after confirming man was on break

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY — An armed man wearing an ICE shirt and asking customers for identification at a Scranton Sheetz prompted a police response on Tuesday, December 24, 2025 — but officers quickly determined the man was simply a security guard getting food on his break.

A caller contacted police after observing a male wearing a shirt marked “ICE” with a weapon holstered on his side asking people for their identification inside the Sheetz at 610 Scranton Carbondale Highway, according to emergency communications.

Officers responded to the scene and made contact with the individual. Police ran the man’s vehicle registration, which came back to a Chrysler sedan registered to an address on Penn Avenue in Scranton. After running the man’s name and speaking with him, officers confirmed he was a security guard who had stopped in for food while on duty.

Units cleared the scene without incident.

Why the Call Was Made

The incident comes amid heightened awareness of ICE impersonators across Pennsylvania and the country. Earlier this year, a Temple University student in Philadelphia was arrested after he and two others wore shirts marked “Police” and “ICE” while attempting to enter a residence hall and an Insomnia Cookies location.

In June, a man impersonating an ICE agent robbed a Philadelphia auto repair shop after zip-tying a female employee and yelling “immigration” to scatter workers.

Federal officials have warned that impersonating an ICE agent is a federal crime, and authorities have made arrests in multiple states — including Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and North Carolina — involving individuals posing as immigration officers to intimidate, rob, or assault victims.

ICE has stated that its agents carry official credentials and badges, and community members have the right to ask for identification before complying with any requests.

How to Identify a Real ICE Agent

According to guidance from ICE and immigrant advocacy organizations:

• ICE agents carry official badges and photo identification cards with the agency logo
• ICE agents do not operate alone — they typically arrive in groups
• ICE agents will not ask for money or demand immediate payment
• You have the right to ask for identification through a window or door before opening
• You can call local police to verify if you are unsure

Anyone who believes they have encountered a fake ICE agent is encouraged to contact local police or report the incident to the Department of Homeland Security.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.