Signs from a recent protest (Photo – Alex Smith)
The County of Los Angeles has officially joined a federal class action lawsuit aimed at stopping warrantless arrests and seizures carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
By News Desk
The move follows a motion introduced last week by Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who called on County Counsel to explore all legal options to protect the civil rights of residents and prevent unconstitutional immigration enforcement by federal agencies.
“As a result of that motion, the County of Los Angeles is joining the City of Los Angeles to intervene in a federal class action lawsuit against the Trump administration,” Solis said in a statement. The lawsuit is backed by civil and immigrant rights organizations such as the United Farm Workers, the American Civil Liberties Union, Public Counsel, and the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, alongside numerous cities.
The legal challenge targets federal enforcement actions alleged to involve racial profiling, warrantless arrests, denial of access to legal counsel, and the use of excessive force. According to Solis, recent weeks have seen individuals detained at locations like car washes and Home Depot parking lots without warrants, probable cause, or due process.
Solis highlighted the ongoing federal presence in areas like MacArthur Park, describing it as “heavily armed” and “unprovoked,” aimed at intimidating residents. She emphasized the raids have instilled fear, trauma, and instability in communities, with small businesses suffering and residents afraid to go about their daily lives.
“I am proud to lead the County’s efforts to hold federal agencies accountable for these reckless and unlawful raids and to defend the constitutional rights of every resident,” Solis stated.
Everyone needs these signs.