A woman from Florida was arrested this month for pretending to be an officer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in order to abduct the wife of her ex-boyfriend.
The incident occurred on April 10 when Latrance Battle, aged 52, entered a Days Inn in Panama City Beach wearing specific clothing and a face mask and approached the victim, who was on duty at the motel. The victim asked Battle if she needed a room, and in response, Battle opened her jacket to reveal a shirt with “ICE” printed on it.
Claiming to be an ICE officer, Battle informed the victim, who was in the midst of obtaining U.S. citizenship, that she was there to take her away. Feeling intimidated, the victim informed her boss about the situation and left with Battle out of fear of possible further ICE involvement at the motel.
According to the News Herald, Battle told the woman she was taking her to the police station. When the woman tried to call her lawyer, Battle reportedly took her phone and refused to return it.
Battle allegedly drove past the police station but told the victim they were going to a Bay City office in Panama City Beach. Police said there is a substation there, but suspects are not detained there.
During the drive, Battle reportedly kept speaking badly about the victim’s husband, saying she would “suffer the consequences” of his actions. Battle eventually stopped at an apartment complex and instructed the victim to enter a unit. The News Herald reported that the victim spotted a clear tackle box and other items in Battle’s trunk before she closed it.
Battle was possibly overheard talking to someone and moving something while in the apartment. The victim fled to a man’s car before Battle reportedly approached him and asked if he had seen a woman running in the area.
According to the News Herald, the bystander asked Battle why he took the woman’s phone — to which Battle responded, “She knows what she did.”
During the ordeal, Battle allegedly also showed the victim a “sheriff’s office” card which identified her as an ICE agent. She also used a handheld radio, per reports.
The victim eventually contacted law enforcement and her husband. The husband stated that he believed the woman was Battle, his ex-girlfriend, based on his wife’s description. The husband said he had an injunction against Battle for prior issues, according to WOFL.
Later that day, police located Battle in Fountain. She reportedly told officers she was on her way to Alabama.
Battle is currently on probation for felony probation for aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony. She is now charged with kidnapping in commission of a felony.
Battle is due in court on May 29. She remains jailed without bond.
[Feature Photo: Bay County police]
