BREAKING: A 79-year-old U.S. citizen has launched a shocking $50 million civil rights claim following a violent encounter with federal agents during an immigration raid at his Van Nuys car wash. The incident, which occurred on September 9, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and raised urgent questions about federal enforcement tactics.
Rafie Ollah Shouhed, owner of Valley Car Wash located at 7530 Van Nuys Blvd, alleges that he was violently body slammed and pinned by agents from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the raid. Shouhed claims he was merely attempting to show the agents that his employees were authorized to work when the situation escalated into a brutal confrontation.
Surveillance footage reviewed by KTLA reveals a federal agent shoving Shouhed to the ground in a hallway, where he was subsequently restrained. “You don’t F with ICE. We are here,” agents reportedly shouted as they threw him to the floor. Shouhed, who had recently undergone heart surgery and suffers from significant health issues, pleaded with the agents for medical attention, but his cries went unheard.
After being handcuffed and detained for nearly 12 hours at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, Shouhed was released without charges, despite agents later confirming his U.S. citizenship. He was denied contact with his family and did not receive any medical care during his detention. Following his release, he sought medical treatment for multiple broken ribs, elbow injuries, and psychological trauma.
Attorney V. James DeSimone, who is representing Shouhed, stated that the actions of the federal agents were “outrageous and unlawful,” violating both federal and California civil rights laws. The civil rights claim alleges several serious offenses, including assault, battery, and deliberate indifference to a serious medical condition. It argues that the policies of the DHS, ICE, and CBP foster an environment that tolerates excessive force.
Shouhed’s family has revealed that five of his employees were also detained during the raid, exacerbating fears within the community regarding federal immigration enforcement tactics. This incident has sparked outrage among local residents and civil rights advocates, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability in such operations.
In response, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the operation targeted five undocumented immigrants, asserting that Shouhed was arrested for allegedly assaulting and impeding a federal officer.
Shouhed is set to speak at a press conference on Thursday, September 25, at the offices of V. James DeSimone Law in Marina del Rey. The event will also be streamed live on Instagram at @civilrightslawyerjimdesimone, providing a platform for Shouhed to share his harrowing experience and the ongoing impact of the raid.
As the situation develops, this case raises significant concerns about the treatment of U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement actions and highlights a growing demand for reform in federal policies. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent issue as it unfolds.