A 79-year-old U.S. citizen from Los Angeles has filed a $50 million civil rights lawsuit against the federal government, claiming he was severely injured during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at his business. The shocking incident — captured on surveillance footage — has ignited outrage and renewed debate over the conduct of federal agents during enforcement operations.
The man, whose identity has been made public through his attorney, says he was running his small automotive supply store when ICE agents stormed the premises without warning. According to the lawsuit, officers entered with weapons drawn, ordering everyone to the ground. The elderly shop owner, who says he was confused and frightened, allegedly tried to comply — but before he could, an agent pushed him down, causing him to suffer multiple injuries.
Security footage appears to show the man collapsing on the tiled floor while agents continue their search. He later required medical treatment for broken ribs, bruises, and severe back pain. Despite his age and health condition, he claims he received no immediate medical assistance from the agents on scene.
What makes this story particularly shocking is that the man is a U.S. citizen with no criminal record. His attorney argues that ICE had targeted the wrong business and that the operation was carried out with excessive force and no proper verification. “This is not just a mistake — it’s a violation of constitutional rights,” the lawyer stated during a press conference. “My client was treated like a criminal in his own store, simply because of who he is and where he works.”
The lawsuit accuses the federal government of negligence, discrimination, and violation of civil rights, demanding $50 million in damages for medical costs, emotional trauma, and long-term suffering. Advocates for immigrant and minority rights have rallied around the case, saying it underscores a pattern of overreach and lack of accountability within federal enforcement operations.
ICE officials have not released a detailed statement regarding the incident, citing ongoing legal proceedings, but a spokesperson noted that “all actions taken by agents were consistent with operational guidelines.” That explanation has done little to calm public criticism.
Locals in the Los Angeles community have expressed disbelief and anger after learning that an elderly man — and a U.S. citizen, no less — was caught up in such a violent event. “He’s been running that shop for decades,” one resident said. “Everyone knows him. He’s kind, hardworking, and respected. This should have never happened.”
Civil rights experts say the outcome of this lawsuit could set an important precedent. If successful, it may lead to stricter oversight on how ICE conducts its raids and how agents are trained to handle vulnerable or elderly individuals during operations.
For now, the 79-year-old man continues to recover while seeking justice through the courts. His message, according to his lawyer, is simple: no one should be hurt or humiliated by their own government while simply trying to make an honest living.
Leave a Reply