BELL, Calif. – A federal immigration enforcement action at a local business ignited hours of tense confrontation and protest in the city of Bell, located in southeast Los Angeles County, on the evening of June 20, 2025. The operation, centered on Jack’s Car Wash and Detailing in the 7000 block of Atlantic Avenue, led to detentions and drew a swift, agitated response from community members.
The action commenced when federal agents arrived at Jack’s Car Wash and Detailing. Security camera footage obtained from the scene depicted agents, many wearing masks, pursuing and apprehending individuals identified as employees. The footage notably captured one individual being tackled to the ground during the detentions.
Federal agents reportedly detained at least three people at the car wash. Simultaneously, agents visited another car wash in the nearby city of Maywood as part of the broader enforcement effort. Details regarding the total number of individuals detained across all locations were not released by federal authorities.
Escalation and Confrontation
As news of the raid spread, protesters began gathering near the scene on Atlantic Avenue, leading to a direct face-off with federal agents who remained present. The situation quickly escalated as more individuals joined the demonstration, expressing opposition to the immigration enforcement actions.
According to statements from federal law enforcement officials involved, the gathering evolved into what they described as a “mob.” This confrontation allegedly resulted in damage to official vehicles, with reports of tires being slashed on federal vehicles present at the scene.
Amidst the chaos, federal authorities reported an incident involving a vehicle. One driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault following an event that occurred during the protest. The circumstances surrounding this alleged assault were not immediately detailed by officials.
Official Response and Context
Federal authorities issued statements following the incident, emphasizing the challenges faced by officers during such operations. They reported facing increasing assaults on federal officers and personnel while conducting their duties.
Officials made it clear that they intend to vigorously prosecute individuals who are found to have assaulted federal officers or engaged in illegal acts such as property damage or assault during enforcement actions. This stance underscores the gravity with which federal agencies view resistance and violence directed at their personnel.
The extended protest continued for hours into the evening, maintaining a palpable sense of tension throughout the Bell community. The incident at Jack’s Car Wash and Detailing has highlighted the volatile nature of immigration enforcement in densely populated areas and the strong community reactions they can provoke.
The federal operation in Bell and Maywood on June 20, 2025, serves as a stark example of the complex dynamics at play during immigration enforcement actions, encompassing not only the execution of federal mandates but also the immediate and often intense community responses they elicit. The lack of specific details regarding the total number of detentions leaves the full scope of the enforcement action unclear, while the reported clashes underscore the risks faced by both federal personnel and community members in such situations.
