Fact Check: A North Carolina man sexually assaulted a woman while impersonating an ICE officer.

Fact Check: "A North Carolina man sexually assaulted a woman while impersonating an ICE officer."

What We Know

On January 26, 2025, Carl Bennett Jr., a 37-year-old man from North Carolina, was arrested for allegedly impersonating an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer and sexually assaulting a woman at a Motel 6 in Raleigh. According to the arrest warrant, Bennett unlawfully entered the motel and threatened the victim with deportation if she did not comply with his demands for sex. He allegedly presented her with a business card that included a badge, claiming to be a law enforcement officer (WBTV, The Mirror).

Bennett faces multiple charges, including:

Breaking and entering to terrorize or injure
Kidnapping
Two counts of second-degree sexual offense
Second-degree forcible rape
Assault on a female
Impersonating a law enforcement officer
Possession of cocaine
Possession of drug paraphernalia (WBTV).

Analysis

The allegations against Bennett are serious and supported by an arrest warrant that details his actions. The warrant indicates that he not only impersonated a law enforcement officer but also used threats of deportation to coerce the victim into sexual acts. This behavior aligns with broader concerns regarding impersonation of ICE officers, particularly in the context of heightened fears within immigrant communities due to aggressive immigration policies (The Mirror, CNN).

The sources reporting on this incident, such as WBTV and The Mirror, are established news outlets with a reputation for covering local news and legal issues. Their reporting appears to be factual and consistent, providing details from official documents and police statements. However, it is essential to note that the legal process is ongoing, and Bennett has not yet been convicted of these charges.

The context of the incident also highlights a troubling trend where individuals exploit the fears of vulnerable populations, particularly immigrants, by impersonating law enforcement. This has been noted by advocacy groups who emphasize the dangers posed by such impersonations in the current political climate (The Mirror).

Conclusion

The claim that a North Carolina man sexually assaulted a woman while impersonating an ICE officer is True. The evidence from the arrest warrant and multiple credible news reports supports this assertion. Bennett's actions, as described, constitute serious criminal behavior and reflect broader societal issues regarding the impersonation of law enforcement, particularly in relation to immigration enforcement.

Fact Check: A North Carolina man sexually assaulted a woman while impersonating an ICE officer.