Suspected ICE impersonator near Ukrainian grocery store faces criminal charge

In a troubling incident in Fife, Washington, a 26-year-old man named Ilya Kukhar has been charged with criminal impersonation for allegedly posing as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. The black Ford SUV he drove, styled to resemble a law enforcement vehicle, bore distorted ICE and Department of Homeland Security decals and lacked license plates, raising concerns among community members. Local grocery store manager Olena Ray reported that the presence of the SUV made her employees, many of whom are Ukrainian refugees, feel threatened. Surveillance footage showed the vehicle circling the parking lot, seemingly to intimidate individuals. Fife police, with assistance from the public, were able to identify Kukhar, who has no ties to law enforcement and no prior criminal history.

The case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by immigrant communities, especially those seeking safety in the U. S. His arraignment is set for April 11, and if found guilty, Kukhar could face up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Assistant City Attorney Ross Brittain emphasized the importance of accountability and the potential danger posed by such impersonation.