Fact Check: "Lemus was riding in the passenger seat of a car on his way to work when ICE agents stopped the vehicle in Westbury, New York."
What We Know
On June 3, 2023, Elzon Lemus, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen from Brentwood, was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Westbury, New York, while he was on his way to work as an electrician. During the stop, ICE agents allegedly claimed that Lemus "looked like somebody we are looking for" and demanded his identification without providing a clear reason for the stop (FOX 5 NY, CBS News). Video footage from the incident shows Lemus questioning the agents about their authority and their reasons for stopping him, which culminated in him being handcuffed and detained for approximately 20 to 25 minutes (Yahoo, Long Island News 12).
Analysis
The claim that Lemus was in the passenger seat of a car on his way to work when stopped by ICE agents is substantiated by multiple sources. Both FOX 5 NY and CBS News provide detailed accounts of the incident, including Lemus's statements and the actions taken by the ICE agents. The video evidence presented during a press conference further corroborates his account, showing the interaction between Lemus and the agents (Yahoo, Long Island News 12).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is generally high. FOX 5 NY and CBS News are established news outlets with a history of covering local events accurately. However, it is important to note that the accounts come from Lemus and his legal representatives, who have a vested interest in portraying the incident as a violation of civil rights and racial profiling. This potential bias should be considered when evaluating the claims made (Long Island Press, Daily Voice).
Furthermore, local officials, including New York State Assemblyman Phil Ramos, have echoed concerns about the actions of the ICE agents, labeling the incident as racial profiling and calling for investigations into the conduct of ICE in the area (Long Island News 12, PIX11). This adds a layer of credibility to Lemus's claims, as they are supported by local political figures who are familiar with law enforcement practices.
Conclusion
The claim that Elzon Lemus was riding in the passenger seat of a car on his way to work when ICE agents stopped the vehicle in Westbury, New York, is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources, including video footage and eyewitness accounts, confirms the details of the incident as described by Lemus and his attorneys.
Sources
- ICE detains US citizen in NY: 'It was heartbreaking' | FOX 5 New York
- Video allegedly shows ICE agents detaining Hispanic U.S. citizen on ... | CBS News
- US citizen blasts ICE after being detained as he drove to work ... - Yahoo
- U.S. citizen claims civil rights were violated during ICE traffic stop ... | Long Island News 12
- US citizen blasts ICE after being detained as he drove to ... | The Independent
- Man alleges he was wrongfully detained, handcuffed by ICE in Westbury | Long Island Press
- Elzon Lemus Illegally Detained By ICE In Westbury: Attorney | Daily Voice
- US citizen stopped, searched by ICE on Long Island: Lawyer | PIX11