A 79-year-old man files a $50 million lawsuit against ICE after being violently assaulted during a warrantless raid at his business.

 

79-year-old US citizen claims ICE agents body-slammed him at his business,  seeks $50M

 

In a shocking turn of events, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) is facing a staggering $50 million lawsuit following a brutal incident that occurred in September.

The victim, Rafie Shuad, a 79-year-old car wash owner from Vanise, California, was violently thrown to the ground by ICE agents, resulting in multiple broken ribs and severe injuries to his arm, shoulder, and head.

This harrowing episode has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the conduct of federal agents.

The incident began when Shuad observed ICE agents storming into his car wash without a warrant or explanation. In a chilling account, he described how one agent knocked him to the floor, disregarding his pleas for mercy.

“I was begging him. I have a heart condition,” Shuad recounted, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of the assault. Despite his injuries, the agents showed no compassion, continuing to detain him for nearly 12 hours without allowing him any medical treatment.

During the chaos, Shuad attempted to show the agents the paperwork that proved his employees were legally authorized to work. However, his efforts were met with aggression.

As he tried to explain his situation, he was thrown down again, this time while already injured. The agents, with their faces covered, reportedly shouted menacingly, “You do not f with ICE,” a phrase that seems to encapsulate the agency’s brutal approach to enforcement.

 

LA car wash owner sues for $50m after being slammed and detained in Ice  raid | California | The GuardianLA car wash owner sues for $50m after being slammed and detained in Ice  raid | California | The Guardian

 

At a press conference announcing the lawsuit, Shuad detailed the extent of his injuries, which included not only broken ribs but also brain damage from his head hitting the pavement.

Deep bruises covered his arm and shoulder, visible evidence of the violent encounter. Despite repeatedly informing the agents of his American citizenship, Shuad was still detained and subjected to further humiliation at a federal detention facility.

Shuad’s attorney, James Deimone, condemned the actions of the ICE agents, stating, “If this can happen in broad daylight to an American senior citizen who committed no crime, it can happen to anyone.”

He described the conduct of the masked agents as “lawless, reckless, and cruel,” arguing that such actions represent an assault on civil rights and a threat to democracy itself.

The lawsuit accuses ICE of assault and battery, as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress. Legal experts assert that the surveillance footage from the incident clearly shows Shuad posing no physical threat, contradicting ICE’s claims that he interfered with their operation.

Instead, the video depicts a frail elderly man attempting to seek clarification and assistance as his employees were being taken away.

 

US citizen claims $50 mn over violent ICE arrest

 

Since the incident, Shuad has suffered from ongoing health issues, including painful shallow breathing and shortness of breath, particularly when moving or at night.

These symptoms have significantly impaired his daily activities and disrupted his sleep, leaving him fearful of returning to the very location where he was assaulted.

In response to the lawsuit, both the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol have maintained that Shuad impeded the ICE operation, justifying their actions.

However, no charges were ever filed against him, raising further questions about the legality of the agents’ conduct.

Legal analysts suggest that the strong evidence against ICE could lead to a significant settlement, especially given the public sentiment in Los Angeles, where citizens have expressed their disgust with the agency’s practices.

The case has garnered widespread attention, with many calling for accountability and reform within ICE. Activists argue that the agency’s aggressive tactics disproportionately target vulnerable populations, often resulting in tragic outcomes.

The incident involving Shuad serves as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse of power by federal agents and the urgent need for oversight.

 

Southern California car wash owner files $50 million claim over injuries  sustained during Van Nuys, Los Angeles immigration raid - ABC7 Chicago

 

As the lawsuit progresses, the implications of this case extend far beyond Shuad’s individual experience. It raises critical questions about the treatment of immigrants and citizens alike under the current enforcement policies.

The potential for a jury to hold the government accountable for its actions could set a precedent for future cases, emphasizing the importance of civil rights in law enforcement.

In a related incident, ICE agents were recently confronted in a New York City courthouse by a woman who openly criticized their actions, calling them “criminals.”

Her passionate outburst resonated with many, highlighting the growing frustration among citizens regarding the agency’s practices. As public outrage mounts, the pressure on ICE to reform its operations intensifies.

The shocking details of Rafie Shuad’s experience have ignited a firestorm of debate about the role of ICE and the need for accountability within federal agencies.

As the lawsuit unfolds, many are left wondering: how many more victims like Shuad are out there, and what will it take for meaningful change to occur? The eyes of the nation are on this case, as it promises to reveal the dark underbelly of immigration enforcement in America.