Cases of Undercover FBI Agents Arrested by Police

Introduction

FBI agents possess significant authority, often more than local police.
However, situations arise where undercover FBI agents are arrested by police who are unaware of their identity.
Four examples where this has happened.

Date: December 6, 2016
Location: Grand Rapids parking lot
Incident: Shots fired towards a police officer.
Resolution: Team arrives to find the shooter was FBI Agent Hernandez from Las Vegas.
Confusion: Cops call his partner, John Salazar, to confirm identity.
Complications: John Salazar suspected of being under influence (DUI) after smelling of alcohol and chewing gum.
Outcome: BAC 0.116, above Michigan’s legal limit of 0.08.

Location: Franklin County Police Department
Incident: Agent investigating police corruption requested officer to turn off body cam.
Challenge: Agent was detained by police for suspicious behavior.
Resolution: HQ confirmed agent's identity, but cops delayed releasing him from patrol car.
Health: Agent required medical attention due to heat and stress.

Task: Confiscate an illegally acquired firearm.
Incident: Residents called police, mistaking Burke for a criminal.
Police Response: Treated Burke as break-in suspect despite providing badge number.
Outcome: Burke sued police for excessive force and unlawful arrest.
Health Impact: Physical and mental harm led to administrative reassignment.

Activity: Delivery driver waiting for takeout.
Incident: Detained by police for parking violation.
Interaction: Officer accused Mac of being uncooperative.
Resolution: Mac exercised Fifth Amendment rights, was eventually let go.
Revelation: Mac was not a federal agent, but highlighted importance of knowing the law.

These cases demonstrate complications when police are unaware of an agent’s undercover status.
Highlights importance of communication and professional conduct in law enforcement interactions.
Raises discussions on legal rights and police procedure.