California Man in US for Over 35 Years Detained at Car Wash
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Federal immigration agents apprehended a California man who has been living in the United States for over 35 years at his workplace in Newport Beach, near Los Angeles.
Vicente Morales Hernandez, a 56-year-old car washer, was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a morning raid on June 29.
He was apprehended around 10:30 a.m. while working at a Chevron car wash located at 1461 Superior Ave.
Two federal agents pursued Morales Hernandez after arriving at his workplace, according to his nephew.
"Knowing he had no documentation, he took off running," Joshua Rodriguez, 27, told Newsweek.
Vicente Morales Hernandez, a 56-year-old car washer, was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a morning raid on June 29, 2025.
Vicente Morales Hernandez, a 56-year-old car washer, was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a morning raid on June 29, 2025.
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"One doubled back to get into a pickup truck and continued to follow my uncle," he said
"They were very abrasive and aggressive," he added.
"Vicente Morales Hernandez is a Mexican national who was illegally residing in the U.S. for almost four decades. There is no record of him legally entering the country," a senior Department of Homeland Security official told Newsweek.
"Keep in mind, he never had to be arrested. He had a choice: If you in this country illegally, use the CBP [Customs and Border Protection] Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home. If you don't, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return. If you are in this country illegally, self-deport NOW and preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way.
"Illegal aliens who use the CBP Home Mobile App to self-deport also receive cost-free travel and a $1,000 exit bonus, paid after their return is confirmed through the app."
President Donald Trump has pledged to remove millions of immigrants without legal status as part of a hard-line mass deportation policy. The White House has maintained that anyone living in the country unlawfully is considered to be a "criminal." Critics say the immigration raids sow fear into vulnerable immigrant communities.
Federal immigration raids in Los Angeles this month have led to significant protests. The unrest prompted Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, to implement a curfew for portions of the area after incidents of vandalism.
Morales Hernandez refused to sign a paper, which he believed to be an agreement to deport him, according to his nephew.
"I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, this feels like a nightmare," Rodriguez said.
Morales Hernandez was initially detained at a Los Angeles federal building before being transferred to the Imperial Regional Detention Facility in Calexico, according to his nephew.
Joshua Rodriguez, a U.S. citizen, continues to advocate for his uncle's release, emphasizing the emotional toll this situation has taken on the family.
Morales Hernandez has two sons, Isaac Morales, 25, and Kevin Morales, 21, and a wife who has been left devastated.
"My aunt is doing the best she can right now. She's very distraught, concerned for her husband as well as her safety, since she also has no documentation. She's scared of what the future might bring if he is transferred or detained for a long time," Rodriguez said.
"She's facing the immense decision of whether to self-deport with her husband (if we can get him out on bail) or risk staying here in America and dealing with this administration. She's very worried for her sons and her elderly mother she lives with as well, and how this will end up affecting them too."
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