A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday accuses the Trump administration of conducting unlawful immigration raids across Southern California, targeting brown-skinned individuals. The lawsuit, filed in the Central District of California, alleges that masked and unidentified agents have been systematically cornering individuals, arresting them without probable cause, and holding them in poor conditions without access to legal representation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California is among the groups supporting the lawsuit, which seeks to halt what it describes as unconstitutional practices.
The complaint focuses on the experiences of three detained immigrants, several immigrant rights groups, and two U.S. citizens, including Jorge Hernandez Viramontes, who was allegedly detained despite showing identification proving his citizenship. According to the Los Angeles Times, Hernandez Viramontes was taken by agents who claimed his ID was insufficient without a passport. He was released after verification but without an apology.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended its actions, stating that its operations are highly targeted and that claims of racial targeting are false. However, the lawsuit argues that the raids create fear among individuals based on their appearance alone. California lawmakers have responded with proposed legislation to increase transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices, such as requiring visible identification for officers.
The lawsuit comes amid broader tensions between California and the Trump administration over immigration policies, including a recent lawsuit by the administration against Los Angeles for its sanctuary city laws. As the legal battle unfolds, immigrant advocacy groups continue to provide guidance and support to those affected by the raids.
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