Full Breakdown
Civil Rights Claim Filed by Van Nuys Car Wash Owner Following Immigration Raid
9/27/2025, 6:29:24 AM
Incident Overview: Allegations Against Federal Agents
Rafie Ollah Shouhed, a 79-year-old U.S. citizen and owner of Valley Car Wash in Van Nuys, California, has filed a civil rights claim seeking $50 million in damages against multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The claim stems from an immigration raid that occurred on September 9, 2025, during which Shouhed alleges he was violently tackled and injured by federal agents.
According to surveillance footage and Shouhed's account, agents stormed his business without providing warrants. When he attempted to assist them by offering documentation for his employees, he was reportedly body-slammed to the ground, with agents pressing their knees into his neck and back. Shouhed claims he repeatedly informed the agents of his heart condition and pleaded for medical attention, but his requests were ignored. He was detained for nearly 12 hours without charges and released only after agents acknowledged his citizenship status.
Legal Claims and Injuries Sustained
Shouhed's claim includes allegations of assault, battery, and deliberate indifference to a serious medical condition. He suffered multiple injuries, including broken ribs, a traumatic brain injury, and severe bruising. His attorney, V. James DeSimone, stated that the agents' actions were "lawless, reckless, and cruel," emphasizing that if such treatment can occur to a senior citizen, it could happen to anyone.
The claim also highlights that five of Shouhed's employees were detained during the raid, raising concerns about the treatment of U.S. citizens and legal workers in immigration enforcement operations. Shouhed's family expressed distress over the incident, with his wife, Debra Shouhed, noting the emotional toll and fear it has instilled in their community.
Official Responses and Justifications
In response to the incident, DHS confirmed that the operation resulted in the arrest of five undocumented immigrants. They asserted that Shouhed impeded the operation and was arrested for allegedly assaulting a federal officer. However, Shouhed and his attorney deny these allegations, arguing that he was merely trying to communicate with the agents and assist them.
DHS spokespersons have defended the agency's enforcement tactics, stating that they continue to operate in compliance with the law. However, the incident has sparked broader discussions about the use of force in immigration raids and the treatment of individuals during such operations.
Criticism and Community Impact
The incident has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates and local community members, who argue that aggressive tactics employed by federal agents create a climate of fear among immigrant workers and their employers. Activist groups have begun organizing efforts to document federal actions during immigration raids, aiming to protect vulnerable individuals from potential abuses.
Shouhed's case is not isolated; other U.S. citizens have also reported wrongful detentions during immigration enforcement actions, prompting calls for accountability and reform within federal agencies.
What's Next: Legal Proceedings and Community Response
Shouhed's claim is a precursor to a potential lawsuit, as he and his legal team await a response from the federal government. If the claim is denied, they may proceed with filing a lawsuit in federal court. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the treatment of U.S. citizens during immigration operations and the policies governing federal enforcement actions.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the raid, Shouhed hopes that his pursuit of justice will not only address his personal grievances but also serve as a catalyst for change in how immigration enforcement is conducted in the United States.
