Las Vegas Ice Cream Truck Mistaken for ICE Vehicle, Sparking Online Furor

A Las Vegas ice cream truck has become the target of online harassment after being mistaken for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle in a now-deleted TikTok video. The video, posted by a woman, claimed that the truck was actually an ICE vehicle disguised to lure people outside.

This incident comes at a time of heightened tensions surrounding immigration, particularly following President Donald Trump's announcement of a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants shortly after taking office in January 2017.

The ice cream truck, owned by Billy Settlemyers, bears a resemblance to a U.S. law enforcement vehicle due to its black and white design and an embellished fake police badge on the side. However, unlike typical ICE patrol vehicles, Settlemyers' truck displays the range of ice creams available on the side, clearly identifying it as a food vendor.

Despite this distinction, online users convinced by the TikTok video began to attack Settlemyers' business, accusing him of collaborating with the federal government. Settlemyers, however, maintains that he is simply an ice cream vendor and that his truck's design is intended to be "nice and clean and approachable – safe for kids."

The viral post has had a significant impact on Settlemyers, compromising his safety and leaving him feeling like a target. He emphasizes the dangers of spreading false information online, as it can lead to serious repercussions.

The incident highlights the anxieties and misinformation surrounding immigration policies, particularly in the current political climate. It also underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing it online, as false claims can have real-world consequences.