From Body Slam to Legal Battle: Car Wash Owner Files $50 Million Claim Against DHS After Immigration Incident

Rafie Ollah Shouhed, a 79-year-old U.S. citizen and car wash owner in Van Nuys, California, has filed a $50 million claim against federal immigration authorities. He alleges they violated his civil rights during an immigration raid on his business. The claim accuses agents of using excessive force and neglecting his medical needs.

Shouhed’s lawyer, V. James DeSimone, argues that his client was trying to communicate with agents, but they pushed him to the ground instead. “This is defamation. They’re slandering him by saying he assaulted agents,” DeSimone said, emphasizing that Shouhed only wanted to inform the agents that his employees were legal workers.

The raid, which took place on September 9, saw agents arrest five people suspected of being in the country without proper documentation. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Shouhed impeded the operation, leading to his arrest for allegedly assaulting an officer.

However, Shouhed’s lawyer disputes this narrative. Surveillance footage from the incident shows Shouhed reacting to a warning from an employee about the agents approaching. He stepped outside but soon found himself restrained by agents. “They treated him like an NFL player tackling someone,” DeSimone remarked, pointing out the injuries Shouhed sustained.

Following the raid, Shouhed was hospitalized for severe injuries, including rib contusions and elbow damage. According to DeSimone, Shouhed had just undergone heart surgery and was having trouble breathing at the time of the incident. The agents reportedly ignored requests for medical help, even after Shouhed produced documentation proving his U.S. citizenship.

This incident raises broader questions about the practices of immigration enforcement agencies in the U.S. Recent surveys indicate that many Americans are concerned about how these agencies operate, often citing excessive use of force. A report from the American Civil Liberties Union highlights similar incidents where individuals felt their rights were violated during immigration enforcement actions.

Social media has seen a surge of discussions around the treatment of immigrants and the harsh methods some enforcement agencies use. Many users express outrage over accounts like Shouhed’s, calling for reform and better oversight.

In his first public comments after the incident, Shouhed emphasized the humanity of workers facing immigration scrutiny: “They’re hard workers. They’re just here to make a living.” His case serves as a reminder of the complexities and urgent need for dialogue around immigration policy in the U.S.

For further reading on immigration enforcement practices, you can check the ACLU’s findings here.

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