GALVESTON — A Galveston man has been arrested following an investigation into the alleged impersonation of a federal law enforcement officer and the unlawful detention of an individual, according to a press release from the Galveston Police Department.

Police say officers began investigating the case on November 9, 2025, after receiving reports that a person was unlawfully detained in the 400 block of 24th Street by an individual claiming to be a law enforcement officer.

Detectives later identified the suspect as 44-year-old Joshua Warner of Galveston. According to investigators, Warner represented himself to witnesses as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, detectives established probable cause and obtained arrest and search warrants.

On December 22, 2025, Galveston police executed the warrants at Warner’s residence in the 6400 block of Central City Boulevard. Warner was taken into custody on two charges of impersonating a public servant and transported to the Galveston County Jail. His combined bond was set at $500,000.

During the search of the residence, investigators seized multiple items of evidence, including what police described as a fraudulent law enforcement identification card and badge. Authorities also seized Warner’s vehicle, noting it closely resembled an unmarked police vehicle.

After the story was published, several community members contacted the newsroom pointing to online videos posted by a self-described police accountability auditor who goes by the name “Harvey Freebird.” In the videos, which were recorded prior to Warner’s arrest, Freebird is seen confronting Warner and questioning him about his claimed law enforcement status. Galveston police have not acknowledged the videos or commented on Freebird’s involvement in the case.

The Galveston Police Department is asking anyone with additional information — or anyone who believes they may have been unlawfully detained by Warner — to contact the department at 409-765-3736.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information has been released at this time.