Houston man allegedly posed as ICE agent to rob man during fake traffic stop

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man accused of posing as ICE officer during Houston robbery

Charges are pending against a man who allegedly pretended to be an ICE agent to steal another person's money. FOX 26's Jillian Hartmann spoke to Harris County Pct. 1 Constable Alan Rosen for signs of a fake officer.

HOUSTON - A man has been charged after allegedly posing as an ICE agent to rob a man during a fake traffic stop in Houston.

Robbery suspect allegedly impersonated ICE agent

According to court records, Guliano Christopher Thomson, 37, has been charged with robbery and impersonating a public servant.

The backstory:

Houston police said officers were called to Skyline Drive around 1 a.m. Monday for a robbery.

According to court records, Thomson allegedly pulled a man over and flashed a badge, presenting himself as a federal agent for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He allegedly then robbed the man of his cash and ID. 

Police say they took the suspect into custody during a traffic stop along Wichita Street in Third Ward the next day.

Suspect out on parole

Dig deeper:

Court records show Thomas was out on parole after being convicted of arson in 2022.

According to charging documents, Thomas was accused of getting a driver to pull over – saying there was something wrong with her car – and then lighting part of her car on fire near the tire when she wasn’t looking. He then told her he was an off-duty mechanic, that she had a problem with her brakes, and could fix her car for her, according to documents. She reportedly gave him $60.

ICE responds

What they're saying:

An ICE spokesperson shared a statement with FOX 26 saying, in part, "This action is not only dangerous, but illegal. Imposters can be charged with various criminal offenses both at the state/local level, as well as federally."

How to spot a fake officer

What you can do:

FOX 26's Jillian Hartmann spoke to Harris County Pct. 1 Constable Alan Rosen for tips on spotting a fake officer.

• Make sure the "officer's" patrol car has proper markings.
• Check the person's uniform to see if they have official patches. You can ask the "officer" to show you their patches to prove what agency they're with.
• Ask the officer for their official department ID.
• If the "officer" refuses to prove what agency they're with, call 911 to confirm if there is any police activity happening in your location.