U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has conducted a series of raids on car washes in Los Angeles and Orange County, targeting workers and creating a climate of fear within the community. The first significant operation occurred at Touch and Glow Car Wash in Whittier in early June, where assistant manager Hector Contreras recounted being surrounded by agents who immediately focused on the Latino employees. Despite being a legal permanent resident, Contreras was detained for approximately ten minutes before being released, while three of his colleagues were not so fortunate. The rapid raids have led to many workers not returning to their jobs, drastically impacting local businesses.
These immigration actions have sparked concerns among immigrants and even native-born residents, leading to a heightened sense of anxiety in Southern California. As ICE seeks to fulfill the deportation goals set during the previous administration, car washes, a staple of the Los Angeles economy, have become a frequent target. Recent investigations indicate that nearly 50% of the businesses affected by immigration actions since March 27, 2023, were car washes, as reported by LAist. The CLEAN Carwash Worker Center has documented over 100 detentions in these operations, primarily involving workers, but also some customers.
While the raids have decreased recently due to court rulings that block immigration actions based on race or ethnicity, they have not ceased entirely. A hearing on September 24, 2023, is scheduled to discuss a more permanent ban on such practices. Despite the heightened enforcement, there have been minimal repercussions for employers. LAist found only one instance in which an employer faced penalties for hiring unauthorized workers since January, underscoring the focus on workers rather than employers.
The lack of accountability for employers is concerning to labor experts. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, stated that industries harboring criminals would not be tolerated. Yet, Ciaran McEvoy, spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, noted a significant decline in immigration-related criminal cases under the current administration.
Experts highlight that the opportunity for employment is a primary motivator for individuals risking illegal entry into the United States. Ira Mehlman from the Federation for American Immigration Reform emphasized that addressing job availability is crucial to reducing illegal immigration. Meanwhile, Raúl Hinojosa, a professor at UCLA, criticized the selective enforcement tactics as more about political posturing than effective policy.
The 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) established penalties for employers hiring unauthorized workers, yet enforcement has been lax over subsequent decades. Many employers rely on immigrant labor to keep costs low, creating a significant contradiction within U.S. immigration policy. Tia Koonse, a lawyer at UCLA Labor Center, explained that businesses have little incentive to verify work authorization, as their operations often depend on this labor.
During the recent raids, car wash owners expressed their frustration with the lack of communication from immigration authorities. Many reported not receiving any prior notice before agents arrived. Touch and Glow’s co-owner, Rosio Sarabia, mentioned the community’s support has been vital for their business’s survival in the wake of the raids. The owners are now taking measures to protect their employees, including hosting training sessions on rights during immigration actions.
The car wash industry in California is the largest in the nation, making it a visible and accessible target for immigration enforcement. Andrea Gonzalez, deputy director of CLEAN, noted that many car wash workers have stopped coming to work out of fear, with hundreds opting to stay home for safety. Cities in Los Angeles and Orange counties have established funds to support undocumented residents who have lost their jobs due to these actions.
In summary, the ICE raids have created significant turmoil within the car wash industry, raising serious questions about immigration enforcement practices and the implications for workers. As the situation continues to unfold, the need for a balanced approach to immigration reform remains critical for both the workforce and the economy.