The conflict with ICE has only just begun, and the government is responding with increased intensity. It has become common to witness numerous videos showing individuals detained or forcibly removed from their homes on suspicion of being undocumented immigrants. In some instances, agents even enter businesses to carry out their operations. Fortunately, when a group of agents attempted to do this at a car wash in Artesia, California, both customers and employees were present to demand their departure.
A video captures masked ICE agents approaching the Big Penny Car Wash in Artesia, California. The agents proceeded to walk directly up to the car wash bays, searching for someone to apprehend. Notably, the person filming pointed out that the vehicles the agents arrived in were unmarked, and the agents themselves showed little interest in revealing their faces or presenting any identification.
“These guys just seem like goon squads wandering and driving around aimlessly until they see someone with a certain skin tone.”
Suddenly, customers inside the car wash began confronting the officers, filming them and clearly intimidating their presence. Since the agents had no valid grounds to be there, they quietly returned to their vehicles, retreating without attempting arrests or applying any force. Recognizing they were outnumbered, the agents opted to leave before the situation escalated further.
While this incident concluded positively, most encounters involving ICE are far less fortunate. Typically, ICE agents target individuals who are vulnerable or unable to protect themselves. Sadly, the atmosphere of fear and animosity does not seem likely to dissipate as long as the current administration remains in place.