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The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is urging the community to remain calm after two incidents where white department vehicles were mistaken for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) units. The department posted on its X social media account Thursday, "All white vehicles are NOT ICE." The incidents involved sheriff's personnel being targeted, with one vehicle reportedly run off the road.
The post has since been deleted.
The department clarified that its fleet of unmarked vehicles comes in various colors, makes, and models, none of which are used for immigration enforcement. Sheriff Shannon Dicus emphasized that the primary duty of his deputies is to protect all community members, regardless of immigration status.
According to KTLA, the sheriff's department's statement comes amid a rise in misinformation about ICE activity in the area. Viral social media posts have falsely claimed ICE raids are happening in San Bernardino County.
Victor Valley News Group reported that these false claims have led to public panic and placed law enforcement at risk. The department has repeatedly clarified that their personnel are not involved in immigration enforcement and urged the community to verify information before sharing it.
Sheriff Dicus, who has lived in San Bernardino County for over 40 years and was elected in 2022, reassured residents that his department is committed to transparency and protecting all citizens.