Fact Check: LAPD denies detaining a woman while ICE agents handcuffed her.

Fact Check: LAPD Denies Detaining a Woman While ICE Agents Handcuffed Her

What We Know

The claim in question revolves around an incident involving a U.S. citizen who was detained by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents in Los Angeles. Reports indicate that the woman, identified as Andrea Velez, was approached by ICE agents while she was walking to work. She stated that she was "ambushed" by individuals from an unmarked vehicle and subsequently detained by ICE agents, who accused her of "forcefully obstructing" their operation (source-4, source-5).

The LAPD has publicly stated that they were not involved in the woman's detention. According to LAPD representatives, they responded to a call regarding a potential kidnapping and found the woman partially handcuffed. They clarified that they did not detain her and that the federal agents took control of the situation (source-7, source-8).

Analysis

The LAPD's denial of involvement in the detention is supported by their official statements and the context of the incident. They assert that their role was limited to responding to a call and that they did not participate in the ICE operation. This aligns with reports that describe the LAPD as having found the woman in a situation already under the control of ICE agents (source-6).

However, the situation raises questions about the nature of the LAPD's response and their relationship with ICE. Activists have criticized the LAPD for their perceived collaboration with ICE, especially in operations that target individuals based on immigration status. This criticism is rooted in broader concerns about local police departments assisting federal immigration enforcement, which can lead to distrust within immigrant communities (source-7).

While the LAPD's statements are credible, the broader context of their involvement in immigration enforcement and the community's perception of their role complicates the narrative. The LAPD's assertion that they did not detain the woman is accurate, but it does not fully address the implications of their presence at the scene and the subsequent actions taken by ICE.

Conclusion

The claim that "LAPD denies detaining a woman while ICE agents handcuffed her" is Partially True. The LAPD did indeed deny any involvement in the detention, stating they were not responsible for the woman's handcuffing and that ICE agents were in control of the situation. However, the context of the incident and the LAPD's historical relationship with ICE raises concerns about their role in such operations, leading to a nuanced understanding of the situation.