A Florida woman was arrested this month for claiming she worked as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer to kidnap her ex-boyfriend’s wife.
On April 10, Latrance Battle, 52, reportedly entered a Days Inn in Panama City Beach wearing a black zip-up jacket, black pants, black hat, and white face mask, and approached the victim, who was working at the motel. The victim asked Battle if she would like to rent a room — to which Battle responded by unzippering her jacket to present a black shirt with the word “ICE” printed on it, according to the News Herald.
Battle allegedly told the victim, who was in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, that she was there to pick her up. The victim reportedly let her boss know what was happening and left with Battle as she feared more ICE agents would respond to the motel if she did not comply.
According to the News Herald, Battle told the woman she was taking her to the police station. When the woman tried to call her lawyer, Battle reportedly took her phone and refused to return it.
Battle allegedly drove past the police station but told the victim they were going to a Bay City office in Panama City Beach. Police said there is a substation there, but suspects are not detained there.
During the drive, Battle reportedly kept speaking badly about the victim’s husband, saying she would “suffer the consequences” of his actions. Battle eventually stopped at an apartment complex and instructed the victim to enter a unit. The News Herald reported that the victim spotted a clear tackle box and other items in Battle’s trunk before she closed it.
Battle was possibly overheard talking to someone and moving something while in the apartment. The victim fled to a man’s car before Battle reportedly approached him and asked if he had seen a woman running in the area.
According to the News Herald, the bystander asked Battle why he took the woman’s phone — to which Battle responded, “She knows what she did.”
During the ordeal, Battle allegedly also showed the victim a “sheriff’s office” card which identified her as an ICE agent. She also used a handheld radio, per reports.
The victim eventually contacted law enforcement and her husband. The husband stated that he believed the woman was Battle, his ex-girlfriend, based on his wife’s description. The husband said he had an injunction against Battle for prior issues, according to WOFL.
Later that day, police located Battle in Fountain. She reportedly told officers she was on her way to Alabama.
Battle is currently on probation for felony probation for aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony. She is now charged with kidnapping in commission of a felony.
Battle is due in court on May 29. She remains jailed without bond.
[Feature Photo: Bay County police]
