Fact Check: "ICE and Homeland Security agents forced Elzon Lemus out of his car and detained him for between 20-25 minutes."
What We Know
On June 3, 2023, Elzon Lemus, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, was stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while he was a passenger in a vehicle on his way to work in Westbury, New York. According to reports, the agents claimed that Lemus "looked like somebody we are looking for" and demanded to see his identification. Lemus, feeling threatened and unsure of the agents' authority, refused to provide his ID. He was subsequently placed in handcuffs and detained for approximately 20-25 minutes, during which time his phone was confiscated to prevent him from recording the incident (Independent, MSN). Eventually, the agents found his ID in his pockets, after which he was released.
Analysis
The claim that ICE and Homeland Security agents forcibly removed Lemus from his car and detained him for 20-25 minutes is supported by multiple sources. The incident was documented through cellphone video, which captured the interaction between Lemus and the agents (Independent). Lemus described feeling as though his rights were being violated, stating, “It felt like I lost all rights when they pulled me over” (Independent).
Lemus' attorney has characterized the actions of the ICE agents as a breach of civil rights, emphasizing that such stops based on appearance are contrary to constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures (Independent). The credibility of the sources reporting this incident, including major news outlets like The Independent and MSN, lends weight to the accuracy of Lemus' account. These outlets have a history of journalistic integrity and have covered the incident extensively, including statements from Lemus and his attorney.
Conclusion
The claim that ICE and Homeland Security agents forced Elzon Lemus out of his car and detained him for 20-25 minutes is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources corroborates Lemus' account of the incident, including the duration of the detention and the circumstances surrounding it. The actions taken by the agents raise significant concerns regarding civil rights and the appropriateness of their conduct.
Sources
- US citizen blasts ICE after being detained as he drove to work
- Elzon Lemus Illegally Detained By ICE In Westbury: Attorney
- US citizen blasts ICE after being detained as he drove to ...
- US citizen blasts ICE after being detained as he drove to ...
- US citizen blasts ICE after being detained as he drove… - inkl
- 'They're the criminals': U.S. Citizen Detained by ICE on Long Island ...
