ICE in LA: 7 arrested during car wash raids in Long Beach
Car wash workers arrested in Long Beach
Multiple people were arrested after federal immigration raids at car washes in Long Beach over the weekend.
LONG BEACH, Calif. - Officials said seven undocumented residents were arrested after federal immigration agents conducted multiple raids at local car washes over the weekend.
The operations have raised concerns among community members and prompted local leaders to take action.
What we know:
On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 13, federal agents carried out a raid at the Bixby Knolls car wash in Long Beach, detaining seven employees.
This operation occurred shortly after the Supreme Court allowed immigration authorities to resume patrols, following advocacy groups' challenges regarding the legality of such stops. The Clean Car Wash Workers Center, a grassroots organization, reports that over 80 local car washes have been targeted since the raids began this summer, with more than 250 workers taken into custody.
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What they're saying:
The raids have sparked community outrage.
"I just think it's a bad thing, you know, taking people in like that, you know, they ain't no criminals or nothing," a resident told FOX 11.
"We weren't expecting it," said general manager Ramon Paz. "People work hard, they have a family, and they devastated us because we needed to close the business."
Car wash GM speaks out after 7 workers arrested
Ramon Paz spoke to FOX 11 after seven undocumented workers were arrested by ICE agents at car washes over the weekend in Long Beach.
Paz said of those arrested, three were from Mexico, three were from El Salvador, and one was from Honduras.
Dig deeper:
The raids have had repercussions beyond the car wash industry. The city of Long Beach has canceled this year's Dia de los Muertos parade, citing fears that immigration enforcement could incite panic at large public gatherings. Mayor Rex Richardson released a statement affirming Long Beach's commitment to protecting immigrant families and small businesses, and exploring legal avenues to counter ICE's actions.
RELATED: Día de los Muertos Parade canceled in Long Beach over ongoing immigration enforcement
What's next:
Community leaders and family members of detained workers are increasing efforts to safeguard workers and document future ICE raids. The Clean Car Wash Workers Center is calling for thousands of volunteers to monitor and report on these operations, aiming to protect vulnerable workers and hold authorities accountable.
The Source: This article is based on firsthand reports from local news correspondents present at the scene during the ICE raids, supplemented by statements from community leaders and official releases from the Long Beach city government. Cell phone footage and eyewitness accounts provided additional insights into the events as they unfolded.