A federal judge has ordered a halt to widespread immigration sweeps across seven Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, after advocates accused the Trump administration of racial profiling and unlawful arrests.
Filed in U.S. District Court, the lawsuit alleged that ICE agents were targeting Latinos in public spaces like car washes and swap meets. The suit includes three Latino day laborers and two U.S. citizens. One of the plaintiffs, Brian Gavidia, was detained despite showing a valid ID.
“He was physically assaulted … for no other reason than he was Latino and working at a tow yard,” said ACLU attorney Mohammad Tajsar.
Tricia McLaughlin, from the Department of Homeland Security, rejected the allegations.
“Any claims that individuals have been ‘targeted’ by law enforcement because of their skin color are disgusting and categorically FALSE,” she said, adding agents “do their due diligence.”
Government attorney Sean Skedzielewski argued race wasn’t a factor, saying agents rely on “totality of the circumstances” and “targeted, individualized packages.” He also defended restricted access to the downtown LA facility, saying it was to “protect the employees and the detainees” during protests.
However, Judge Maame E. Frimpong also barred federal officials from limiting attorney access at that same detention center, known as “B-18.” Attorney Mark Rosenbaum described multiple denials of access and accused agents of using “coercive” conditions to pressure detainees into deportation agreements.
The ruling follows mounting tension in Latino communities and protest clashes during recent ICE raids, including a cannabis farm sweep in Ventura County.
