Fact Check: "ICE agents pulled over Elzon Lemus while he was driving a work van in Westbury, New York, because they claimed he 'looked like someone they were looking for.'"
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, Elzon Lemus, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, was driving a work van in Westbury, New York, when he was pulled over by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. According to reports, the agents stopped him because he "looked like someone they were looking for" (NBC New York) [4]. During the encounter, Lemus was handcuffed and detained for approximately 25 minutes while the agents searched him (NBC New York) [4]. The incident was recorded by Lemus on his phone, capturing the agents' vague explanations and the tension of the situation (CBS News) [6].
Analysis
The claim that ICE agents stopped Lemus because he "looked like someone they were looking for" is substantiated by multiple sources. The video evidence recorded by Lemus shows the agents explicitly stating this rationale during the stop (NBC New York) [4]. This encounter has raised significant concerns regarding racial profiling and the treatment of U.S. citizens by immigration enforcement agencies (CBS News) [6].
The reliability of the sources reporting this incident is high, as they include reputable news organizations such as NBC New York and CBS News, both of which provide detailed accounts of the event and include video evidence (NBC New York) [4], (CBS News) [6]. The incident has also sparked public outrage, indicating a broader societal concern about the actions of ICE and their implications for civil rights.
While some may argue that the agents were acting within their authority, the lack of a clear reason for the stop and the subsequent detention of a U.S. citizen raises critical questions about the legitimacy of such actions. The vague nature of the agents' justification—stating that Lemus "looked like" a suspect—suggests a reliance on subjective criteria that could lead to discriminatory practices.
Conclusion
The claim that ICE agents pulled over Elzon Lemus because he "looked like someone they were looking for" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources, including video documentation of the encounter, supports this assertion. The incident highlights significant issues regarding the practices of immigration enforcement and the treatment of individuals based on appearance, raising concerns about civil rights and racial profiling.
