Los Angeles, November 19, 2025
Since June, federal immigration agents have raided over 100 car washes in Southern California, detaining more than 340 predominantly Latino workers. The impact on local businesses has been severe, with reports of up to 90% revenue drops. Community organizations are responding with legal actions to protect worker rights, including a significant claim against the federal government for civil rights violations. These events underscore growing concerns about racial profiling and the implications of immigration policy on local economies.
Los Angeles Car Wash Workers Face Increased Immigration Raids
Los Angeles, California – Since June 2025, federal immigration agents have conducted raids at over 100 car washes across Southern California, detaining at least 340 workers, predominantly Latino. These operations raise critical concerns about worker treatment and the broader impact on local businesses and communities.
Details of the Raids
The sweeping raids have been predominantly focused on car washes in Los Angeles and Orange counties, leading to the detainment of numerous workers and, in some cases, customers. In June 2025 alone, there were raids at several facilities resulting in the apprehension of both employees and patrons.
Impact on the Community
The ramifications of these raids have been palpable within local economies. Small business owners, particularly car wash operators, report drastic declines in foot traffic and revenue, with some establishments suffering drops of up to 90%. This sharp decrease can be attributed to a pervasive climate of fear that has enveloped communities, deterring previously regular customers from seeking services.
Legal Actions and Community Response
In light of these disruptions, various community organizations have mobilized to protect the rights of the detained workers. Initiatives are underway to document immigration enforcement actions to ensure government accountability. Notably, a 79-year-old car wash owner has taken a bold stand by filing a $50 million claim against the federal government for alleged civil rights violations arising from a raid on his business.
Background Context
The escalation of immigration enforcement is a direct consequence of a Supreme Court ruling in September 2025, which granted immigration agents broader authority to detain individuals based on subjective criteria, including race and employment. This decision has escalated fears of racial profiling and civil rights infringements among affected communities.
Conclusion
The increase of immigration raids at car washes in Southern California signifies a troubling trend that poses risks to the livelihood of many workers and the stability of local businesses. Ongoing legal challenges and advocacy efforts highlight the resilience of the community in the face of adversity. Supporting local businesses during this tumultuous time can contribute to a more robust economic environment for all Angelenos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the scope of the immigration raids in Southern California?
Since June 2025, federal immigration agents have raided over 100 car washes across Southern California, detaining at least 340 workers, predominantly Latino.
How have these raids affected local businesses?
Small businesses, especially car washes, have reported significant declines in foot traffic and revenue, with some experiencing up to a 90% drop due to heightened community fear.
What legal actions have been taken in response to the raids?
Community organizations have launched initiatives to protect workers, including calls for public involvement in documenting these operations. Additionally, a 79-year-old car wash owner filed a $50 million claim against the federal government, alleging civil rights violations during a raid at his business.
What is the background context of these immigration raids?
The increase in immigration enforcement follows a Supreme Court decision in September 2025, which permitted immigration agents to stop individuals based on factors such as race, language, and place of employment, raising concerns about racial profiling and civil rights violations.
Key Features of the Immigration Raids on Car Wash Workers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scope of Raids | Over 100 car washes raided across Southern California since June 2025, with at least 340 workers detained. |
| Impact on Businesses | Significant decline in foot traffic and revenue for small businesses, with some experiencing up to a 90% drop. |
| Legal Actions | Community organizations launched initiatives to protect workers; a 79-year-old car wash owner filed a $50 million claim against the federal government for alleged civil rights violations. |
| Background | Raids follow a Supreme Court decision in September 2025 allowing immigration agents to stop individuals based on factors like race, language, and place of employment, raising concerns about racial profiling and civil rights violations. |
Now Happening on X
- @MayorOfLA (November 14, 2025, 2:19 AM): The National Weather Service forecasts a large storm system with moderate to heavy rain from November 13 through November 16, peaking Friday evening through Saturday, leading the City to issue an Evacuation Warning for burn scar areas. View on X
- @CCWNNews (November 15, 2025, 1:00 PM): Storm Update reports a Flood Watch and Evacuation Warnings in effect as the L.A. storm strengthens, with warnings of dangerous road conditions, power outages, and debris flow in burn scars. View on X
- @SMMirror (November 15, 2025, 1:00 PM): Storm Update indicates a Flood Watch and Evacuation Warnings as the L.A. storm intensifies, highlighting risks of dangerous road conditions, power outages, and debris flow in burn scar regions. View on X
- @LAFDtalk (November 15, 2025, 2:53 AM): Rain is moving through Los Angeles with intensifying conditions expected over the weekend; sharing news coverage, press conference updates, and weather predictions to keep residents informed. View on X
- @MayorOfLA (November 13, 2025, 4:24 AM): A moderate storm with showers is forecasted from November 13 through November 16, peaking Friday evening, prompting an Evacuation Warning for recent burn scar areas effective Thursday at 6 p.m. View on X
- @BrentwoodNewsLA (November 15, 2025, 1:00 PM): Storm Update warns of a Flood Watch and Evacuation Warnings as the L.A. storm strengthens, including potential dangerous road conditions, power outages, and debris flow in burn scars. View on X
- @citystuff_la (November 15, 2025, 4:32 PM): Torrential rain is arriving with widespread flooding and likely mudslides in Southern California, as reported in recent news coverage. View on X
- @lalovestrump (November 15, 2025, 7:10 AM): LA City Alert updated with information on heavy rain, debris flows, and flooding expected from the ongoing storm. View on X
- @ABC7 (November 13, 2025, 12:47 AM): SOCAL Storm Update with Evacuation Warnings issued for several burn scar areas in Los Angeles County ahead of heavy rain and possible mudslides, effective Thursday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 11 a.m. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
TikTok Creator Injured in Federal Arrest Raises Community Questions
Catholic Bishops in Los Angeles Oppose Mass Deportation Policies
Massive ‘No Kings’ Protest Draws Thousands in Los Angeles
FBI Urges ICE Agents to Enhance Self-Identification Measures
Authorities Intensify Search for Missing 9-Year-Old
Santa Ana Man Arrested for Impersonating Immigration Lawyer
FBI Searches Home of Melodee Buzzard’s Mother in Ongoing Investigation
Santa Ana Winds and High Temperatures Raise Fire Risk in Southern California
California Passes Laws to Combat Antisemitism in Schools
Launch of L.A. Street Vendor Solidarity Fund to Support Vendors
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
