ICE Agents Sued for $50 Million After Brutally Assaulting 79-Year-Old Business Owner

Lawsuit Filed Against ICE Agents

• ⚖️ A $50 million federal lawsuit has been filed against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a violent incident in Van Nuys, California.
• 🤕 The suit alleges that ICE agents threw 79-year-old car wash owner Raffi Shohat to the ground, causing him to suffer broken ribs, an injured arm, shoulder, and head.
• 💔 Shohat, who has a heart condition, stated he was begging agents to stop while they sat on his back, but they ignored his pleas and detained him for nearly 12 hours without medical attention.

Allegations of Abuse of Power

• 🚨 The incident began when agents stormed Shohat's car wash. He was reportedly knocked to the floor without a warrant or explanation.
• 📄 Shohat attempted to show agents paperwork proving his employees were legally authorized to work, but was allegedly thrown down a second time.
• 🗣️ While injured on the ground, agents with covered faces reportedly yelled, "You do not f with ice."

Civil Rights and Legal Experts' Opinions

• 🧠 Shohat's lawyer, James Disimone, stated that the agents' conduct was "lawless, reckless and cruel" and that if this can happen to an American senior citizen, it can happen to anyone.
• 📹 Surveillance video reportedly contradicts the government's assertion that Shohat impeded the operation, with legal experts suggesting the lawsuit is strong.
• 👨‍⚖️ Experts believe a jury in Los Angeles, known for its negative sentiment towards ICE, could potentially award more than the $50 million sought.

Broader Concerns and Witness Accounts

• 😟 Shohat continues to experience pain, shortness of breath, and remains fearful of returning to work.
• 🧒 During his detention, Shohat claims he witnessed other individuals, including young girls in handcuffs, being brought in by ICE.
• 🏛️ The lawsuit accuses ICE of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, highlighting concerns about federal agents operating above the law.