When Faith Is Used as a Weapon: ICE-Impersonation and Immigrant Exploitation in Houston

As an immigration attorney working in Houston, I’ve represented many clients who are vulnerable not just because of their legal status, but because of how others weaponize fear against them. The recent arrest of a church safety director accused of posing as an ICE agent to extort an immigrant is deeply troubling—it’s a stark reminder that authority, especially within trusted institutions, can be grotesquely abused.

Pretending to be law enforcement. Put a church in the background.

Houston Case Raises Serious Concerns for Immigrant Safety

According to Houston Police Department reports, Donald Doolittle, a 58-year-old who served as safety director at Gateway Community Church in Webster, allegedly booked a massage from a woman working out of a northwest Houston office building. When it came time to pay, he reportedly presented a fake “ICE” ID, claiming to be an agent, and demanded to see her identification. ABC13 Houston+2KGTX 7 News+2

After the woman showed him her temporary visa, Doolittle allegedly threatened her: she had to Zelle him $500, or he would “take her away,” telling her she would never see her children or be reunited with her family. ABC13 Houston

He later texted her that he’d “marked her case for non-prosecution” and asked her to delete their messages. KGTX 7 News+1 The victim came forward when she ran into police the day after the incident and shared her story. Surveillance video, authorities say, confirmed much of what she described. ABC13 Houston Doolittle has been charged with impersonating a public servant, and his bond was set at $10,000. KGTX 7 News

Why This Case Strikes at the Heart of Immigration Vulnerabilities

Abuse of Power in Trusted Spaces

Churches are often a bedrock in immigrant communities—places of solace, trust, and spiritual refuge. When an individual in a position of trust uses that role to intimidate and exploit, the betrayal is profound. This case shows how fear of deportation can be manipulated, turning legal status into a weapon.

The ICE Impersonation Scam Trend

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. The tactic of impersonating ICE agents has become a growing concern. Authorities have issued repeated warnings about scammers threatening deportation if victims don’t pay up. ABC13 Houston+1 For immigrants who are already navigating complex legal terrain, the presence of real ICE officers mixed with fraudsters makes it even harder to distinguish genuine enforcement from exploitation.

Legal Consequences and Criminal Accountability

From a legal standpoint, Doolittle is facing serious charges. Impersonating a federal officer or public servant is a crime, and adding extortion raises the severity. If convicted, it’s not just about punishment—it’s about sending a message that exploiting immigrants under the guise of immigration enforcement will not go unchecked.

The Broader Implications for Immigrant Rights and Community Trust

As an immigration attorney, I see this case touching on broader themes:

1. Access to Legal Resources: Many immigrants may not know their rights when confronted by someone claiming to be an ICE officer. They may feel powerless or convinced they have no option but to comply.

2. Trust and Fear: This kind of exploitation undermines trust—not only in spiritual institutions but also in governmental authority. If people believe ICE can be faked, they may hesitate even when dealing with real law enforcement or legal advocates.

3. Policy and Advocacy: There’s a real need for education. Community organizations, attorneys, and local leaders must work together to raise awareness of impersonation scams. At the same time, we must advocate for stronger protections and more accessible legal representation for immigrants.

What Immigrants Should Do If They Encounter This Kind of Threat

• Know your rights: Even if someone claims to be with ICE, you have the right to ask for identification and verify it. You should also ask to see a warrant if they demand to detain you or take any action.

• Don’t pay under duress: If an individual pressures you with threats of deportation and asks for money, it may be fraud.

• Document everything: Keep records of conversations, text messages, and any ID or badge shown.

• Reach out for legal help: Contact a trusted immigration attorney or nonprofit if you feel threatened. No one should face deportation threats alone.

A Call for Accountability and Community Protection

This case is more than an individual crime—it’s a warning. It highlights how deeply fear can be manipulated, especially in marginalized immigrant communities. As a Houston-based attorney, I urge:

• Clergy and churches: Vet staff, especially those in security or leadership roles. Your communities deserve safe spaces, not ones riddled with exploitation.

• Local government: Increase public awareness campaigns about ICE impersonation scams and invest in outreach.

• Legal advocates: Reinforce bridges between the legal community and immigrant communities, so people know where to turn.

Conclusion

As someone who stands up for immigrant rights every day, I’m deeply troubled by what happened at Gateway Community Church. This is not a small crime—it is a violent betrayal of trust. But there is also hope: when the law holds people accountable, and when communities stay informed, we can fight back against exploitation.

If you or someone you know has been threatened, extorted, or impersonated by someone claiming to be an ICE agent—or even someone in a position of trust like a church leader—you do not have to face it alone. Reach out, get help, and know that you have rights.