LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Social media posts mistakenly recognized a legislation enforcement-themed Las Vegas ice cream truck as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement car, main its proprietor to concern for his security.
“ICE and Border Patrol don’t use trucks from 1985,” Billy Settlemyers, the proprietor of Las Vegas Ice Cream Patrol, mentioned Monday.
Final week, an individual posted a video of Settlemyers’ black-and-white truck driving right into a neighborhood with the caption: “Please be on the lookout for ‘ice cream’ trucks… they ever play music to get people to come outside… this is actually so sick.” Different folks then took that unique video and made their very own criticizing Settlemyers’ enterprise considering the federal authorities was concerned.
“I’m an ice cream man, that’s it,” he mentioned from his truck’s window awaiting clients.
The Las Vegas Ice Cream Patrol is full with a badge on the positioning – however look intently and the truck could also be residence to extra chocolate bars than metallic ones.
“I wanted to build something creative for my community — nice and clean and approachable,” Settlemyers mentioned. “Safe for kids. That’s it.”
The rumors that his enterprise was truly ICE — not too candy.
“Principally, ‘Be looking out, Las Vegas is utilizing ice cream vans as cowl to catch unlawful aliens,’ Settlemyers mentioned concerning the posts.
“Have you ever had this problem before?” 8 Information Now Investigator David Charns requested Settlemyers.
“No, not at all,” he mentioned. “People ask me if I’m law enforcement or ex-law enforcement. I’m a mechanic. I built the truck.”
The truck’s look even encourages drivers to decelerate as some imagine it’s a Metro police car from far-off, Settlemyers mentioned. It says on its aspect: “Not affiliated with any law enforcement agencies.”
“How many people do you think have seen those videos?” Charns requested.
“The last I heard, 15 million,” Settlemyers mentioned.
Earlier than Settlemyers might react, the injury was already completed. Even with out seeing the video of his truck, folks posted throughout social media that immigration raids have been underway.
“ICE is in Las Vegas. Please stay safe,” one publish mentioned. “They had a checkpoint… one even disguised as an ice cream truck.”
“I feel kind of like a target,” Settlemyers mentioned. “People have to stop and realize with social media how many people are going to see their video and the repercussions from it are dangerous, possibly.”
The girl who posted probably the most far-reaching TikTok video deleted it and apologized.
“Thankfully of all the wonderful customers I have in this neighborhood, they came to my defense — and I really appreciate that a lot,” Settlemyers mentioned.
It’s in opposition to copyright legislation to screenshot somebody’s video – even whether it is posted to social media — and create one utilizing the media on your content material.
Final week, ICE arrested about 1,200 folks throughout main cities, together with Chicago and Los Angeles. There was no indication Monday that ICE was implementing any checkpoints or large-scale arrests within the Las Vegas valley.
Final week, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill advised the 8 Information Now Investigators his division won’t partake in mass deportation “roundups.”
“I think it will be an interesting conversation, but roundups out in the community and those kinds of things, that’s not my job. I have too much to do,” McMahill mentioned. “I don’t think that with the volume and magnitude of the problem that they’re going to make as much progress on it as they would like to unless they first focus in on stopping people from coming across the borders.”
Trump’s new self-described border czar beforehand mentioned he would use U.S. Immigration and Prospects Enforcement to “run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.”
