ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Two people claiming to be federal agents tried to gain access to a state agency in downtown Rochester that assists low-income, disabled and migrant individuals. The incident occurred on Election Day and the individuals did not provide any identification.
According to an internal email from the state Department of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) shared with News10NBC’s Chief Investigative Reporter Berkeley Brean, the alleged agents wanted to know who works at the office, the location of security cameras and what information is stored inside.
They were stopped by an OTDA judge in the lobby outside the glass doors. The email states “The judge did not provide the individuals with any information and… completed an incident report.”
OTDA spokesman Anthony Farmer said in an email “The two men did not provide their names or any identification that would confirm they were federal agents.”
Assemblyman Demond Meeks, whose district includes the building, expressed concern about the incident after we showed him the email.
Berkeley Brean, News10NBC: “So what do you think when you read that?”
Demond Meeks, (D) NYS Assembly: “I think it’s really concerning that individuals would come in to a state office and identify themselves as a federal agent without providing proper documentation.”
Senator Jeremy Cooney said in a statement “I plan on contacting OTDA to find out what happened… to make sure the identities of my Rochester constituents were protected.”
The FBI recently warned about criminals posing as ICE agents and urged agents to identify themselves. OTDA is not listed on the building’s directory and it was the agency that helped migrants relocate from New York City to Rochester.
Berkeley Brean: “Maybe that’s what they were looking for?”
Demond Meeks: “OTDA should treat them as anyone else walking in off the street. If you cannot show us identification as to who you are this conversation cannot go any further.”
Federal rules require immigration officers to identify themselves as soon as it is practical and safe to do so. News10NBC sent several emails to ICE and Homeland Security over the last two days but they have not been answered.
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