Fact Check: Raleigh man impersonated ICE officer to sexually assault a woman.

Fact Check: Raleigh Man Impersonated ICE Officer to Sexually Assault a Woman

What We Know

On January 26, 2025, a 37-year-old man named Carl Thomas Bennett was arrested in Raleigh, North Carolina, for allegedly impersonating an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer and sexually assaulting a woman. According to arrest warrants, Bennett threatened to deport the victim if she did not engage in sexual acts with him and displayed a business card with a badge to further his impersonation (WRAL News [source-1]). The incident reportedly occurred at a Motel 6 in Raleigh, where police found the victim (Live 5 News [source-2]).

Bennett faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, second-degree rape, and impersonating a law enforcement officer (ABC11 [source-3]). The victim's race and immigration status have not been disclosed by the police. Advocacy groups, such as Siembra NC, have expressed concern over the rise of scams targeting immigrants, particularly in the current political climate, which they believe creates an environment ripe for such impersonation crimes (Live 5 News [source-2]).

Analysis

The claims surrounding Carl Thomas Bennett's arrest are substantiated by multiple credible news sources, all reporting similar details about the incident. The consistency across these reports lends credibility to the allegations against Bennett. For instance, both WRAL News and Live 5 News detail the specific threats made by Bennett and his method of impersonation, which involved showing a business card with a badge ([source-1], [source-2]).

The sources used in this fact-check are reputable local news outlets, which are generally reliable for reporting on crime and legal matters. However, it is important to note that while the reports provide a clear narrative of the events, they are based on police statements and arrest warrants, which may not encompass all aspects of the case or the context surrounding it.

Nikki Baena, co-director of Siembra NC, highlights the broader implications of such impersonation cases, indicating a trend where individuals exploit the fears of immigrants regarding ICE enforcement (Live 5 News [source-2]). This context is crucial as it underscores the potential for increased vulnerability among immigrant communities, which may be targeted by individuals like Bennett.

Conclusion

The claim that a Raleigh man impersonated an ICE officer to sexually assault a woman is True. The allegations are supported by multiple credible sources that report consistent details about the incident, including the nature of the threats made by Bennett and the charges he faces. The situation reflects a concerning trend of impersonation crimes that exploit the fears of vulnerable populations, particularly immigrants.