The Handy J Car Wash/Outdoor Grill at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Washington Place was the scene on August 12, 2025 for a raid by masked gunmen. Federico Mares, a 35 year resident of Culver City and long time employee at the car wash, was thrown to the ground while people shouted “Get away!”
Mares was handcuffed, put into an unmarked vehicle, and taken away.
Reports that there were others taken have not been confirmed.
According to multiple news sources, a federal judge last month issued a temporary restraining order preventing the government from stopping individuals in violation of the Fourth Amendment and requiring the government to provide detained individuals with access to counsel.
The federal government appealed the ruling, but last week, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to put a stay on the ruling. The federal government has appealed the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Suspected sightings can be reported to the Rapid Response Line at 310-513-5539.
There is a GoFundMe online to support Mares’ family and pay for legal aid. The Culver Kindness Crew on FB is also accepting donations to support the many families in our community that have been impacted these assaults.
Judith Martin-Straw
