Repeated immigration enforcement raids over the past year have severely disrupted the workforce and operations of Southern California’s car wash industry, exacerbating broader economic consequences across multiple sectors reliant on immigrant labor. The actions, which began last summer, have particularly affected businesses in Los Angeles and Orange counties, where more than 370 workers at around 100 car washes were detained, according to Clean Carwash Worker Center, a labor nonprofit that monitors such enforcement activities.
The raids coincided with peak industry seasons, with some car washes targeted multiple times. This has led to significant labor shortages as workers face detention or deportation, prompting many businesses to reduce staff or close altogether. At least seven car washes closed following repeated enforcement actions, while others have tried to compensate by investing in machinery or offering self-service options amid mounting labor challenges.
Among those affected is Mehmet Aydogan, owner of Westchester Hand Wash, whose business faced raids on multiple consecutive days last June. He reported losing 12 employees during the crackdown and has struggled to recruit and retain staff, hiring roughly 100 new workers throughout the year but currently operating with just five employees, down from 15. Aydogan described the raids’ impact as a constant source of anxiety akin to checking the weather daily.
The raids have not only targeted workers but sometimes also customers and owners, according to Flor Melendrez, executive director of the Clean Carwash Worker Center. One case now the subject of a lawsuit involves 79-year-old Rafie Shouhed, owner of Valley Car Wash in Van Nuys. Agents reportedly used excessive force during the September enforcement action, injuring Shouhed despite his claims of recent heart surgery. Shouhed was held for 12 hours before agents discovered he was a naturalized U.S. citizen. His family contends he has since suffered brain trauma and cognitive decline.
The broader economic fallout extends beyond car washes. Areas including downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District, as well as neighborhoods such as Lynwood, Bell, and Pico Rivera, have experienced business closures and significant reductions in foot traffic. A February county report estimated output losses of $840 million during a National Guard deployment and curfew in June of last year, underscoring the sweeping economic effects.
Workers continue to face hardship. Alma Ramirez, whose partner José was detained in January while operating a mobile car wash, described the challenges of raising two young children alone and managing the difficulties of costly bail processes. She expressed concerns about the emotional toll on her family, especially her older son’s confusion and anger over the enforcement actions.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s El Centro Sector defended the raids, noting that car washes and related businesses have been targeted based on patterns of undocumented workers seeking employment at these locations.
As enforcement continues, industry stakeholders face ongoing uncertainty amid labor shortages, business closures, and mounting personal and economic costs linked to immigration sweeps in Southern California.