A 26-year-old Washington resident, Ilya Kukhar, has been charged with criminal impersonation for allegedly posing as an ICE agent outside a Ukrainian grocery store in Fife, Washington. The charge, a gross misdemeanor, follows a March 16 incident where Kukhar drove a Ford SUV marked with “ICE” and a pseudo-seal of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Witnesses at Emish Market reported seeing the vehicle in the parking lot, where the words “delivery” were printed beneath the “ICE” logo. The individuals inside the vehicle appeared to be recording customers and employees, sparking concern among storegoers, particularly given the sensitive nature of the store’s clientele, many of whom have family members in war-torn regions.
The vehicle fled the scene before police could arrive. Fife police confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security had no knowledge of the vehicle or its markings. The SUV was later identified as a former patrol car from the Tukwila Police Department, which had been removed from service after an accident and sold to a private buyer.
After receiving tips from the public and information from Tukwila police, Kukhar was identified as the primary suspect. He pleaded not guilty to the charge on March 31.
Assistant City Attorney Ross Britton emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that impersonating law enforcement in such a sensitive context could cause unnecessary fear and confusion. The Department of Homeland Security has condemned the impersonation as both dangerous and illegal.
