Video posted on social media shows federal agents carrying out car wash attacks in West Hollywood on the Fourth of July.
In a Tiktok post by user @the4thturning888, ICE [was] Friday at around 11:30am in the West Hollywood attack project.” The business that was raided was Santa Palm Car Wash, located on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Palm Avenue.
In the footage, no one was seen detained or physically processed by officials, but some of the videos claim that agents “haved several workers a few feet apart” and “attacked and handcuffed” the recorders and other bystanders.
West Hollywood Washing was attacked by federal agents on July 4th. (Credit: TT/@the4thTurning888)
However, in another video, one agent believed to be in immigrants and customs enforcement is escorting one worker from a car wash. Filmed by Jason Robert and reposted on the Weho Times Tiktok page, the footage also shows other agents walking through the car wash parking lot while they hear customers behave. (Warning: Videos posted on the Weho Times Tiktok page contain blasphemy.)
At least three people have been detained, but perhaps four, according to the Weho Times. An eyewitness who spoke to the outlet said that when agents arrived, three individuals tried to escape, and that they were the targeted people. Another man was tackled in a nearby alley.
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“[The agents] The Weho Times reported. “The manager didn’t know how many individuals were taken and the agent said he didn’t speak to management during the surgery… According to the manager, the agent came and went within about 10 minutes.”
Speaking to KTLA on Saturday morning, the manager confirmed that the attack had occurred and said that the family of one of the detained workers came in to pick up his belongings, including his car, in the wake of the incident. He provided no further information.
West Hollywood Washing was attacked by federal agents on July 4th. (Credit: Jason Robert) West Hollywood Washing was attacked by federal agents on July 4th. (Credit: Jason Robert)
West Hollywood issued a statement Friday afternoon denounced “clearly” the attacks in “loved” local car washes and other attacks throughout the region.
“These actions are not only destructive and hostile, but also represent discriminatory attacks on our community. They target immigrant families, sow fear and undermine trust,” the city’s statement reads in part. “We reaffirm. The immigrant communities are not a threat. They are essential contributors to the social, cultural and economic structures of our cities, states and our country.”
Authorities went on to say the raid was a “deep and troublesome reminder” of the “federal government overreach” that took place “on a day that meant a day to honor the ideals of freedom, democracy and freedom from oppression.”
“We continue to stick to our commitment to maintaining human rights, advancing equity and fostering an inclusive community for all,” the city’s statement concludes.
KTLA received a request for details from the Department of Homeland Security regarding this particular incident at 8:30am on Saturday, but as of 11:30am, it had not yet been responded.
Resources for people in detention and their loved ones can be found at the Los Angeles County Immigration Department “I Know Your Rights.”
