Video posted on social media shows federal agents conducting a raid at a car wash in West Hollywood on Independence Day.
A TikTok post by user @the4thturning888 states that “ICE [was] in West Hollywood raiding businesses” around 11:30 a.m. Friday. The business the raid took place at is the Santa Palm Car Wash, located at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Palm Avenue.
While this footage did not show anyone being detained or otherwise handled physically by officials, one portion of the video claims that the agents “tackled and handcuffed several workers feet away” from the person recording and other bystanders.
Another video, however, shows one of the agents – believed to be with Immigration and Customs Enforcement – escorting one worker away from the car wash. This footage, taken by Jason Robert and reposted to the WeHo Times’ TikTok page, also shows other agents walking through the car wash parking lot while customers were heard berating them. (Warning: the video posted to the WeHo Times’ TikTok page contains profanity.)
According to the WeHo Times, at least three people were detained, although it could possibly be four. Witnesses who spoke to the outlet said that three individuals attempted to flee when the agents arrived and that those were the people who were targeted; another man was tackled in a nearby alley, which may account for the possible fourth detainee, the WeHo Times said.
“[The agents] blocked the driveway and chaos ensued,” the WeHo Times reported. “The manger said he was unsure how many individuals were taken, and that the agents did not speak to management during the operation…according to the manager, the agents were in and out within about ten minutes.”
Speaking to KTLA on Saturday morning, the manager confirmed the raid occurred and said that the family of one of the workers who was detained came by to pick up his belongings, including his car, in the wake of the incident. He did not provide any further information.
The City of West Hollywood put out a statement on Friday afternoon “unequivocally” condemning the raid at the “beloved” local car wash as well as other raids across the region.
“These actions are not only disruptive and hostile, they also represent discriminatory assaults on our communities. They target immigrant families, sow fear and undermine trust,” the city’s statement reads in part. “We reaffirm: our immigrant communities are not threats — they are vital contributors to the social, cultural and economic fabric of our city, our state and our nation.”
Officials went on to say that the raid was a “deeply troubling reminder of federal overreach” that took place “on a day meant to honor the ideals of liberty, democracy and freedom from oppression.”
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding human rights, advancing equity and fostering an inclusive community for all,” the city’s statement concludes.
KTLA put in a request for more information from the Department of Homeland Security on this particular incident on Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. but had yet to receive a response as of 11:30 a.m.
Resources for people who have been detained, and their loved ones, can be found at the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs’ Know Your Rights page.
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