Express Car Wash in Montebello targeted twice in immigration raids

On Thursday, July 3, immigration officials kept their promise of returning to a car wash in the city of Montebello that was raided in early June.

On June 19, on the corner of East Beverly Boulevard and Poplar Avenue, Express Car Wash was raided and cameras from the business captured the moment when three vehicles arrived and detained three of the car wash employees. 

“We’ll be back,” said one of the agents, according to Salvador Melendez, mayor of Montebello. “They detained three hardworking members of our community, people who were simply trying to earn a living.”

Montebello has been one of many cities targeted by ongoing immigration crackdowns across Southern California. Last week, the city was hit again, this time at the same car wash. Melendez, along with council member Scarlet Peralta and the city's Parks and Recreation commissioner, Oliver Jimenez, arrived at the scene after the raid had taken place. 

They spoke with the car wash owner, who confirmed that two employees had been taken and revealed that a third individual had managed to escape but not without harm as they ripped his shirt as he fled. 

“This time, agents came in even more aggressively, with over eight [agents] on the scene,” said Peralta. The owner is heartbroken for his team and now fears for the future of his business and his ability to continue providing for his workers.”

Peralta also shared via Instagram that amid the fear and uncertainty, the owner kept repeating, “Con la mano de Dios, tengo fe que nos va a cuidar,” which translates to “With the hand of God, I have faith that He will take care of us.”

Now that Montebello has launched their first $100,000 Relief Fund Program, they are working on ways to support the business and also connect those affected by the raids with the emergency resources.