Leftists Cry ‘Kidnapping’ as ICE Targets Car Washes

Trump’s ICE enforces immigration law at car washes nationwide, resulting in the detention of over 250 illegal workers while leftist groups cry “kidnapping” and demand these lawbreakers be released back into communities.

Story Highlights

ICE detained over 250 illegal immigrants working at car washes across multiple cities since August 2025
Operations targeted known employment hubs for undocumented workers in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Boston
Leftist advocacy groups frame lawful immigration enforcement as “kidnapping” and “systemic attacks”
Some businesses forced to close after losing their illegal workforce, exposing widespread employment violations

Trump Administration Delivers on Immigration Promises

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have successfully conducted targeted workplace enforcement operations at car washes throughout California and Massachusetts, detaining illegal immigrants who violated federal immigration law. The operations, which began intensifying in June 2025, represent the Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing existing immigration statutes that were largely ignored under previous leadership. Over 82 enforcement actions have occurred in Southern California alone since August, demonstrating systematic and sustained effort to restore immigration law compliance.

Workplace Enforcement Targets Known Violations

Federal agents focused enforcement efforts on car wash operations that employed significant numbers of undocumented workers, including facilities in Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, and Boston. In Boston alone, nine illegal immigrants were detained from a single location, with similar numbers taken from multiple Southern California sites. The enforcement actions occurred during normal business hours when violations were most apparent. These targeted operations represent standard law enforcement practices designed to address systematic employment of illegal workers in specific industry sectors.

The operations revealed widespread employment violations within the car wash industry, where businesses regularly hired undocumented workers in violation of federal law. Several establishments were forced to close or reduce operations after losing their illegal workforce, exposing the extent to which these businesses relied on immigration law violations to maintain profitability.

Leftist Groups Weaponize Inflammatory Language

Liberal advocacy organizations, led by groups like the CLEAN Carwash Worker Center, immediately launched propaganda campaigns describing lawful immigration enforcement as “kidnapping” and “systemic attacks.” These organizations deliberately use emotionally charged language to obscure the fundamental issue: these individuals were in the country illegally and working in violation of federal law. The activists’ inflammatory rhetoric demonstrates their opposition to basic immigration law enforcement and their preference for maintaining illegal immigration systems.

Local Democratic officials joined the hysteria, condemning federal law enforcement and demanding “accountability” from agents performing their sworn duties. This response reveals the extent to which leftist politicians prioritize illegal immigrant interests over American citizens and legal immigration processes. Their opposition to workplace enforcement effectively advocates for continued violation of federal immigration statutes.

Economic Reality Exposes Immigration Policy Failures

The business disruptions following these enforcement actions highlight how certain industries became dependent on illegal labor under previous administrations’ lax enforcement policies. Car wash operators who built business models around employing undocumented workers now face legitimate consequences for their illegal practices. This economic disruption, while temporary, represents necessary correction of longstanding violations that undermined both immigration law and fair labor practices for legal workers.

The enforcement operations also demonstrate the Trump administration’s strategic approach to immigration enforcement, focusing resources on systematic violators rather than random deportations. By targeting workplaces known for employing illegal immigrants, ICE maximizes enforcement impact while addressing businesses that profit from immigration law violations. This approach protects American workers from unfair competition while restoring respect for immigration law.