The West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce issued a statement Friday condemning the ICE raid that took place on the morning of July 4 at Santa Palm Car Wash on Santa Monica Boulevard.
In the statement, Chamber President and CEO Genevieve Morrill said the organization was “deeply troubled” by the incident, which reportedly resulted in multiple detentions and the immediate closure of the business.
On this day that marks the birth of our nation and its founding ideals of liberty, opportunity, and justice for all, we at the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce are deeply troubled by the news of the ICE raid that occurred in our community at one of our businesses.
These enforcement actions—carried out on the Fourth of July—have sown fear, disrupted families, and shaken the trust that is vital to a thriving local economy. As a bipartisan organization, we call for humane and fair immigration enforcement that prioritizes community safety without violating the rights or dignity of individuals.
We also call for greater transparency and accountability from federal agencies operating in local jurisdictions, and for policy solutions that unite rather than divide—rooted in practical reforms and respect for human rights.
Our Chamber stands firmly with our businesses, their employees, and the broader West Hollywood community during this unsettling time,” Morrill said. “We urge leaders at every level of government to come together to find compassionate, comprehensive solutions to our immigration challenges.
We call on our members, partners, and elected officials to join us in reaffirming the values that define us—not just on Independence Day, but every day.
Earlier in the day, video footage from the scene showed masked federal agents detaining multiple individuals at the car wash. Witnesses described a chaotic atmosphere, and city officials also released a statement condemning the action.
if every illegal in amerixa were deported we would have a hige rise in wages and a huge decrease in crime
the worthless chamber of commerce has sone nothing about crime – drugs homelessness and the infestation of marijuana clinics – TRUMP 2028
Weeks ago when ICE began this shameful and horrific attack by detaining people based on the color of their skin, Issac, Glenn and others who manage Santa Palm told me that one day only two workers showed up- only later in the day more did. One has lived here for 51 years and a citizen for 28 and all were bracing for what happened. The Chamber is worthless and has no voice. Only the public can come together in Mass as we have seen in other cities and force these independent contractors out- and it’s been done! For 26 years… Read more »
I see ICE as a government agency that has been weaponized by theGOP and its leader. We have a Constitution that is a rule book for this nation. It is not roll of toilet tissue.
Were you as critical of Obama as he deported 5 million? Or Bill Clinton? Just wondering.
You’re ignorant!
This is what I voted for!
The chamber of commerce do next to nothing to assist law abiding locally owned businesses that employ local, citizen/permanent resident workers.
They are functionally useless and have contributed to the decline in West Hollywood through cronyism rackets
The bigger question is, why is this business making its employees work on a Federal national holiday?
These “employees” aren’t American. The holiday means nothing to them.
“These Employees” , are human beings. And whose to say they’re not citizens or green card holders or Visa holders, who are you to dehumanize anyone, they were racially profiled – “these employees” – if that is the case and they came to America without permissions then I can bet you this holiday and this country means more to them than it does your compassionless soul. People risk life and limb coming to the United States for a better life and do jobs that are so far beneath apathetic lazy “American” citizens. “These employees” make your life easier.
Did you not read any of the articles. They are. We have being supporting Santa Palm for 5 decades and have grown up with most of the employees along with Glenn and Issac. We know some family members and have seen their children, born and raised here do summer jobs at Santa Palm before leaving for college, trade schools or the new school year. Your trying to make a poorly made point and fail at it. If your not Native American sir, you too are an immigrant, like the rest of us, no matter how hard you try to argue… Read more »
What evidence do you have that Santa Palm employs illegal workers? None. I have known Glenn, Issac and many of the people there and three weeks they told me the owners do detail verifications of right to work as the employer is subject to criminal prosecution if they hire illegals. Your comment is irrelevant, incompetent and inaccurate as to any basis in fact. They were profiled due to being brown. Now I would like to see federal agents go after the Russians, residents of the UAE and other non Hispanics who control the illegal sale of narcotics in this county… Read more »
Typical Republican. Full of hate and feeling superior. In reality you’re just a loser.
I was actually highlighting the irony that the business wanted to be open on a national day celebrating our country’s independence and that his employees get arrested and they’re not independent and free 
This isn’t irony. It’s real life. Pull your head out.
They are citizens and they and other businesses are open just like on Labor Day and Memorial Day when people shop due to not going to work. And Cleary is wrong they are legal and I know the workers well and as an attorney I advised them weeks ago to carry ID even though ICE won’t look at it. They do no verification on site only at detention center and they also want to work because they make money on tips and it’s a busy day. Maybe his question should be “why do people wash their cars on a holiday?”
So why aren’t you pointing your finger at Pavillions, Ralph’s, Bristol Farms, every bar and restaurant on the boulevard, Sheriff’s Department, restaurants on Sunset and Starbucks to name just a few. If you knew more, you would know in most cases these businesses pay anywhere from time and a half to double time to provide a service for those citizens that have a day off. Call it corporate greed or coming from a police background as I do, you are asked to volunteer or force hired by seniority. People, no matter their background, need money. They are trying to just… Read more »
Of course they did. What an absurd position to take.