More than 250 immigrant car-wash workers in Southern California have been detained in recent months as federal immigration operations increasingly target the sector, according to the CLEAN Carwash Worker Center and organizers cited by La Opinión.
The outlet reported that of the roughly 500 car washes in Los Angeles, more than 80 have been raided, prompting some owners to shutter temporarily and advocacy groups to form “community patrols” to warn workers of approaching agents.
Flor Melendrez, executive director of the CLEAN Carwash Worker Center told local KQED that workers have become targets of immigration agents due in part to the fact that employees often work outdoors. “We need more eyes on the ground,” Melendrez said. “We as community could be the difference between a worker making it home tonight or a worker being kidnapped, being separated from their families.”…