A 79-year-old Los Angeles business owner has filed a $50 million claim against the federal government after being violently tackled by ICE agents during an immigration raid at his car wash. The incident, captured on surveillance cameras, left the man with multiple injuries and sparked serious civil rights concerns. The Department of Homeland Security now faces mounting criticism as the case heads toward potential federal court action.
Surveillance Footage Emerges
Security cameras captured the shocking moment Rafie Ollah Shouhed, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Iran, was knocked to the ground by masked federal agents. In one clip, an officer is seen sprinting down a hallway before slamming into Shouhed and continuing past him. A second video from outside shows Shouhed approaching officers detaining his employee, followed by a scuffle and a third officer tackling him.
Severe Injuries Reported
According to the legal claim, Shouhed suffered multiple broken ribs, chest trauma, elbow injuries, and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury. He was detained for 12 hours before being released without charges. His attorney confirmed that the elderly business owner continues to struggle with lasting effects from the September 9 confrontation.
DHS Response to Allegations
The Department of Homeland Security defended the raid, stating that five individuals from Guatemala and Mexico were arrested for breaking immigration laws. Officials alleged that Shouhed “impeded the operation and was arrested for assaulting and impeding a federal officer.” However, Shouhed and his attorney strongly denied these claims.
Business Owner’s Account
Shouhed recalled asking agents, “What can I do for you? Can I help you?” He said his only intention was to provide documents proving his employees’ legal work status. With no audio in the surveillance footage, his words cannot be confirmed. His lawyer, V. James DeSimone, criticized ICE’s tactics: “They use physical force, they don’t speak to the people in order to ascertain who is there legally. Instead, they immediately resort to force.”
Detention and Release
After being tackled, Shouhed was transported to a detention center where he presented officers with his U.S. identification. He was held for 12 hours before being freed without charges. His claim accuses federal agencies of wrongful arrest and excessive force, arguing that he was simply trying to assist.
Similar Civil Rights Claims
Shouhed is not the only U.S. citizen to raise complaints. Andrea Velez, another Los Angeles resident, was detained in June while on her way to work and held for two days before her obstruction charge was dropped. Several other citizens have also filed claims, accusing immigration officers of violating civil rights during raids.
Growing Criticism of ICE Tactics
Federal immigration officers have long faced criticism for heavy-handed operations. The backlash grew stronger after DHS issued a rare public rebuke of one of its own agents who pushed an Ecuadorian woman to the ground at a New York courthouse. Civil rights advocates argue that such incidents reflect a pattern of aggressive enforcement against citizens and legal residents alike.