The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California filed a federal class action lawsuit this week, accusing the Trump administration of unlawfully detaining and deporting immigrants through ICE raids that resemble “brazen, midday kidnappings.”
The lawsuit, which targets the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its leadership under Secretary Kristi Noem, alleges that ICE’s actions in Southern California since June 6 have involved unlawful arrests, racial profiling, and violations of constitutional rights.
Allegations of Targeting Immigrants Based on Race and Ethnicity
The lawsuit highlights a disturbing pattern of ICE operations, where individuals, particularly those with “brown skin,” are being targeted for detention and deportation without cause. According to the ACLU, ICE agents have conducted raids based on broad racial and ethnic profiles, making arrests without sufficient evidence.
In many of the incidents described in the complaint, ICE agents approached individuals suddenly, often in large groups and heavily armed, dressed in military-style or SWAT gear, and masked.
The agents allegedly used aggressive tactics, barking commands and surrounding individuals to intimidate them into compliance. The ACLU argues that these raids, which occur in broad daylight, create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, resembling “kidnappings” in the eyes of those detained.
Witness Accounts of Brutal Tactics
One of the plaintiffs, Pedro Vasquez Perdomo, described being apprehended in a seemingly routine situation. While waiting for a ride at a bus stop in Pasadena, he was suddenly surrounded by several vehicles and a team of armed agents, who took him away without identifying themselves.
Vasquez Perdomo felt as if he were being kidnapped, and when he tried to leave, he was quickly apprehended, handcuffed, and forced into one of the vehicles.
The ACLU also claims that other individuals have been chased, pushed to the ground, and even beaten during these encounters, which further exacerbates the trauma and fear felt by those targeted.
Conditions in Detention and Lack of Access to Counsel
In addition to the unlawful arrests, the lawsuit alleges that the U.S. government is detaining individuals at an ICE facility in downtown Los Angeles, known as “B-18,” where conditions are described as “dungeon-like” and unconstitutional.
The ACLU claims that detainees are held for extended periods, often without access to legal counsel. Some individuals are reportedly pressured into accepting “voluntary departure” while enduring inhumane conditions.
Government’s Response to Allegations
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin denied the ACLU’s claims, specifically the allegations of racial profiling. McLaughlin called the accusations “categorically FALSE” and described the criticism as an attempt to demonize ICE law enforcement officers. DHS has not yet responded to further inquiries from Law&Crime regarding the allegations.
However, the ACLU is determined to hold the Trump administration accountable, stating that the government’s actions are intentionally designed to bypass constitutional protections and force deportations, especially given the limited space available in long-term detention facilities.
A Call for Accountability
Mohammad Tajsar, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Southern California, expressed strong condemnation of the actions described in the lawsuit. “Since June 6th, marauding, masked goons have descended upon Los Angeles, terrorizing our brown communities and tearing up the Constitution in the process,” Tajsar said.
He emphasized that all individuals, regardless of their immigration status or skin color, should be guaranteed protection from illegal seizures and have their constitutional rights upheld.
