Surveillance Video Shows ICE Agents Tackle 79-Year-Old Car Wash Owner in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — A 79-year-old U.S. citizen and business owner has filed a $50 million federal claim after surveillance video captured Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents tackling him during a raid at his Van Nuys car wash earlier this month.
Allegations of Excessive Force
The claim, filed by Rafie Ollah Shouhed, accuses ICE and Border Patrol agents of using excessive force when he attempted to approach them during a Sept. 9 raid.
Video shows one agent detaining a man in the parking lot while another agent confronts Shouhed. Moments later, Shouhed is slammed to the pavement as agents pin him down. According to the claim, one agent placed a knee on his neck as others restrained him.
Shouhed suffered broken ribs, elbow injuries, and a traumatic brain injury.
Shouhed’s Account
At a press conference, Shouhed described the assault:
“Three big people were sitting on my back, the way they tore me down… I was begging them. I have a heart condition.”
The claim alleges Shouhed tried to show proof of his employees’ work authorization, telling agents, “If there is anything I can do for you, let me help you. I have papers for these guys.”
Agents allegedly responded: “You don’t f— with ICE. We are here.”
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Detained Despite Citizenship
Although authorities confirmed Shouhed was a U.S. citizen shortly after bringing him to the Metropolitan Detention Center, the claim says he was still held for 12 hours without medical care.
His attorneys argue the case highlights a pattern of policies that “condone the use of excessive force” during raids.
Civil Rights Claim Filed
Shouhed’s federal tort claim accuses the Department of Homeland Security and its sub-agencies of assault, battery, civil rights violations, and deliberate indifference to medical needs.
Attorney V. James DeSimone said in a statement:
“This was an outrageous and unlawful assault on a 79-year-old American citizen in his own place of business. If this can happen in broad daylight to an American senior citizen who committed no crime, it can happen to anyone.”
Community Impact
Following the raid, Shouhed temporarily closed his business after employees — including U.S. citizens — said they were too frightened to return.
Federal officials have not yet responded to the claim.
Do you believe federal agencies should face stricter oversight after incidents of alleged excessive force? Share your thoughts in the comments on FatCityFeed.com.
