A federal decide has ordered a halt to widespread immigration sweeps throughout seven Southern California counties, together with Los Angeles, after advocates accused the Trump administration of racial profiling and illegal arrests.
Filed in U.S. District Court docket, the lawsuit alleged that ICE brokers had been concentrating on Latinos in public areas like automotive washes and swap meets. The go well with consists of three Latino day laborers and two U.S. residents. One of many plaintiffs, Brian Gavidia, was detained regardless of displaying a legitimate ID.
“He was bodily assaulted … for no different cause than he was Latino and dealing at a tow yard,” stated ACLU lawyer Mohammad Tajsar.
Tricia McLaughlin, from the Division of Homeland Safety, rejected the allegations.
“Any claims that people have been ‘focused’ by legislation enforcement due to their pores and skin coloration are disgusting and categorically FALSE,” she stated, including brokers “do their due diligence.”
Authorities lawyer Sean Skedzielewski argued race wasn’t an element, saying brokers depend on “totality of the circumstances” and “focused, individualized packages.” He additionally defended restricted entry to the downtown LA facility, saying it was to “shield the staff and the detainees” throughout protests.
Nevertheless, Choose Maame E. Frimpong additionally barred federal officers from limiting lawyer entry at that very same detention middle, often known as “B-18.” Lawyer Mark Rosenbaum described a number of denials of entry and accused brokers of utilizing “coercive” situations to stress detainees into deportation agreements.
The ruling follows mounting stress in Latino communities and protest clashes throughout latest ICE raids, together with a hashish farm sweep in Ventura County.
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