Car Wash Owner Files $50 Million Claim Against DHS after Alleged Body Slam by Immigration agents
LOS ANGELES – Rafie Ollah Shouhed, 79, a U.S. citizen and owner of a Los Angeles car wash,has filed a $50 million claim against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleging excessive force and false imprisonment by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. The claim details an incident where Shouhed alleges he was body-slammed to the ground, resulting in notable injuries.
the incident occurred when agents entered Shouhed’s business, allegedly without a warrant, while investigating potential employment violations. According to the claim, filed by attorney V. James DeSimone, Shouhed attempted to communicate with the agents and protect his employees, whom he considers family, but was rather forcibly subdued. The claim alleges the agents piled on top of Shouhed, causing multiple broken ribs, chest trauma, and elbow injuries.
“In the process, the agents severely caused injuries to Mr. Shouhed, including but not limited to multiple busted ribs causing severe chest-wall trauma with extensive rib contusions (pain with respiration), and bilateral elbow injuries characterized by deep contusions and hematomas with marked swelling and reduced range of motion,” the claim states. DeSimone asserts that Shouhed’s head narrowly missed striking the ground during the takedown, which could have resulted in fatal injuries. He further alleges agents told shouhed, “You don’t f- with ICE.”
DeSimone stated that Shouhed repeatedly requested medical attention as he struggled to breathe,especially relevant given his recent heart surgery involving the placement of three stents. Agents allegedly ignored both Shouhed’s pleas and similar requests from his nephew.
Despite Shouhed presenting proof of his U.S. citizenship, agents transported him to the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles and continued to deny medical care, according to the claim. He was released approximately 12 hours later without charges. Following his release, Shouhed was taken to a local hospital by his daughter for treatment of his injuries, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and elbow trauma.
During a news conference wednesday, Shouhed addressed a message to President Trump, stating, “Be nice to these people. They’re hard workers. They’re just here to make a living.”
Shouhed is currently continuing to receive medical care for his injuries. The $50 million claim seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. DHS has not yet publicly commented on the claim.
