HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

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373 car wash workers detained in ICE raids across Southern California, families separated

Aug 9, 2026 · Los Angeles, CA

373 car wash workers detained in ICE raids across Southern California, families separated

Federal immigration agents conducted sweeps at more than 106 car washes across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Inglewood, Culver City, Westchester, Bell, and Whittier, detaining at least 373 workers. Officers in masks and bulletproof vests arrived in pickup trucks and removed workers from their jobs within minutes. The enforcement operation targeted car washes as part of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown in the region. According to the CLEAN Carwash Worker Center, family members have been deported or remain in detention, and many workers live with ongoing fear of apprehension. The raids prompted protests against the enforcement operations.

Timeline

Aug 9, 2026At least 106 car washes across Southern California targeted, 373 workers detained total; families report ongoing fear and deportations
Jun 12, 2025ICE agents conducted workplace sweeps at car washes across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, detaining workers

Sources

More incidents in California