HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Nine Allston car wash workers detained by ICE agents, all held valid work permits

Nov 4, 2025 · Boston, MA

Nine Allston car wash workers detained by ICE agents, all held valid work permits

Nine employees at Allston Car Wash in Boston—Hector Valladares, Felicita Valladares, Vanessa Vasquez Valladares, Clarisa Aguilon, Heidy Aguilon, Yuli Magali Mendez Luarca, Pablo Oseas Lopez, Dairo Preciado, and Jose P. Enriquez Sagastume—were detained by more than 22 ICE agents on November 4, 2025. All nine workers held valid work permits at the time of their arrest. According to business manager Jose Barrera, agents arrived with subpoenas and detained the workers before allowing them to retrieve their work permits from their lockers. Attorney Todd Pomerleau reported that detainees held at ICE's Boston field office in Burlington experienced mistreatment, including being denied food and shower access for several days, and that one detainee was allegedly transferred to Texas in violation of a court order. Seven of the detained workers subsequently filed a federal tort claim through Boston Lawyers for Civil Rights alleging unlawful arrest, racial profiling based on their Latino and Spanish-speaking status, and mistreatment in custody including shackling, transport to multiple detention facilities, and denial of access to phones, legal counsel, and medications. The complaint seeks $1 million in compensation per worker plus legal fees.

Timeline

Nov 9, 2025Seven detained workers remained in federal custody with limited information available about their status
Nov 4, 2025More than 22 ICE agents detained nine workers at Allston Car Wash; all held valid work permits; agents prevented workers from retrieving permits from lockers before arrest
Nov 4, 2025Detainees transferred to ICE's Boston field office in Burlington; reported denial of food and shower access; one worker allegedly transferred to Texas in violation of court order
Nov 4, 2025Boston Lawyers for Civil Rights filed federal tort claim on behalf of seven workers alleging unlawful arrest, racial profiling, and mistreatment; seeking $1 million per worker plus legal fees

Sources

More incidents in Massachusetts