July 7, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

July 4 ICE Raid on WeHo Car Wash Ends in Deportation of Local Resident

Longtime West Hollywood Worker with Family’s Rent Money Taken in Raid

A group of masked men and women, without official identification, grabbed at least three people during a Fourth of July raid at a West Hollywood car wash, including a 65-year-old man who had lived in the community for more than three decades. It was an all too familiar scene in Los Angeles since Trump sent these unidentifiable agents into Los Angeles starting a month ago, but this was the first time, that we know of, that a West Hollywood business was raided. 

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid occurred around 11:00 a.m. at the Santa Palm Car Wash on Santa Monica Boulevard. According to family members, Silvestre Jiménez Gómez was at work when he was taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. He had been carrying money to pay his family’s rent at the time of the incident.

WeHo Times was the first to report the story and posted this video from someone who was at the car wash while the employees were being taken away.

@wehotimes There was an ICE raid in the city of West Hollywood on 4th of July, at Santa Palm Car Wash at 8787 Santa Monica Blvd. According to reports, 3 people—Possibly 4 were taken. The raid happened at 11am. The manager at the car wash says they were in and out in about 10 minutes. They blocked the driveway and chaos ensued. One man was tackled in the nearby alleyway. The manager says the employees have been working there for many years.  Video by @jasonrobert21  #wehotimes #wehonews #wehocity #westhollywood #weho #lasd #ice #iceraids @City of West Hollywood ♬ original sound – WEHO TIMES

Also detained was Juan Carlos Delgado-Abelino, another worker at the car wash. A fourth person may have also been taken into custody, though that has not been confirmed by federal authorities.

Jiménez Gómez’s son, Edgar Jiménez, said the arrest and subsequent deportation devastated their family. He confirmed his father chose to return voluntarily to Mexico rather than remain in U.S. custody.

“He didn’t want to be handcuffed, shackled, and treated like a criminal,” Edgar Jiménez said.

Jiménez Gómez leaves behind five children and five grandchildren in the U.S., according to his family. With the rent money still in his possession when detained, his wife had to urgently find another way to cover the family’s housing expenses. In response, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the financial impact

in NEWS
Related Posts

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Bel Air and Holmby Hills Estates Lead May’s List of America’s Top 10 Home Sales

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

LA Claims Two of the Top Three Luxury Home Sales Last Month expensive residential transaction in the U.S. for May,...

Newhart Family Lists Beloved Comedy Legend’s Townhouse in Century City

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Late TV Star’s Custom Townhouse, Filled With Memories and Holiday Cheer  A luxurious Century Woods townhouse once home to comedy...

Caitlyn Jenner’s Friend and Former Foundation CEO Dies in Malibu ATV Crash

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

ATV Plummeted 350 Feet After Rear-Ending Vehicle in Malibu Sophia Hutchins, former CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation and longtime...

Michael Madsen, Star of Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, Dies at 67 in Malibu

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Actor Remembered for His Intense Performances and as a Poet  Actor Michael Madsen, known for his distinctive gravelly voice and...

Los Angeles City Council Cracks Down on ‘Disaster Tours’ in Pacific Palisades

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

City Council Bans Commercial Bus Tours in Burn Zone Amid Community Backlash Tour buses that have been operating in fire-ravaged...

Tow Truck Scammers Target Crash Victims Across L.A.: Authorities Warn of Fraud at Accident Scenes

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Officials Urge Drivers to Stay Alert After Collisions as Rogue Operators Demand Inflated Fees  Motorists involved in vehicle accidents are...

Woman Dies After Melrose Store Altercation: LAPD Launches Homicide Investigation

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Critically Injured Young Woman Died July 2, After She was Badly Beaten at Work  The death of a woman critically...

CHP Officer Dies in Culver City Crash: Medical Emergency Suspected Behind Tragic Incident

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Officer lost consciousness while transporting a suspect before crashing into a tree California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Cano died early...

L.A. Beaches Brace for Holiday Rush: Over 1 Million Visitors Expected This Fourth of July

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

County Officials Urge Beachgoers to Pack Out Their Trash and  Monitor Water Quality More than one million visitors are expected...

(Video) A visit to New York Bagel & Deli in Santa Monica

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Authentic NY Style Bagels with Extra Creamy Cream Cheese and Multi-Cultural Desserts. Located at 2216 Wilshire Blvd. A visit to...

Hot Dogs & Rosé: Something About Her and The Culver Hotel Roll Out Summer Specials

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Westside Venues to Serve Playful Bites and Seasonal Sips For the Holiday Weekend A bold new offering is making its...

NeueHouse Hosts Bold One-Night Dinner With Culinary Phenomenon Diego Argoti

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Acclaimed Chef Brings Culinary Mischief With a Five-Course Tasting Experience. NeueHouse Hollywood will host an exclusive, one-night-only dining event on...

(Video) Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Go To Homefrontbuild.com For More Information @home_front_build Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles Go...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150 National Guard...