Amid the Trump administration’s widespread immigration crackdown sweeping across Los Angeles, a raid on a Korean-owned business in the heart of LA’s Koreatown, resulting in the arrest of Latino employees, has heightened community anxiety. According to the LA Mayor’s Office and eyewitness accounts on September 3, immigration enforcement agents stormed the Korean-operated car wash “Olympic Car Wash” on Olympic Boulevard at around 10:10 AM.

Witnesses reported that six individuals, presumed to be Border Patrol agents from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), exited two vehicles—a Chevy Tahoe and an Equinox with Arizona license plates. Dressed in military-style uniforms, they were heavily armed with bulletproof vests and rifles. The masked agents entered the car wash, handcuffed five employees, and swiftly transported them away in their vehicles. The agents reportedly did not disclose their identities or present a warrant at the scene.

Witnesses noted, “The arrests were over in just about 10 minutes,” adding, “It seemed like they had already identified their targets.” Afterward, individuals believed to be family members of the detained employees gathered at the car wash, making tearful phone calls in distress. The car wash employs approximately 15 Latino workers and had previously shut down for about two weeks in June when immigration raids focused on the LA Fashion District downtown. On this occasion, the business immediately closed its doors and ceased operations following the agents’ arrival.

Cho Dong-hwan, president of Orion Auto next to the site, who observed the arrest process, remarked, “While it may be conducted according to the law, I wonder if it’s right to take away breadwinners working to survive in this manner.” LA Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement, expressing, “The immigration raid at Olympic Car Wash in Koreatown today is deeply concerning. When a business known to the entire community becomes a target, it shakes the whole community.” She added, “The arrest of breadwinners responsible for their families’ livelihoods delivers a significant shock to families, neighbors, and small business owners. The immigrant community is a vital foundation of our city and must be protected without discrimination. This raid must stop immediately.”

The Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance (KIWA) also released a condemnation statement, stating, “The swift, coordinated nature of the arrests suggests a targeted raid.” They noted, “It’s difficult to ascertain the identities or current status of those detained, and their families are unaware of where they are being held.” They added, “It’s common for contact to be lost for days after such detentions, leaving families with no choice but to wait. This inhumane, sudden raid is significantly heightening psychological unease in the community.”