ACLU Urges Vigilance Against Immigration Raids in Los Angeles
On August 1, a panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a temporary restraining order blocking the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from conducting indiscriminate arrests in seven Southern California counties. This ruling followed a legal victory for immigrants, as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) urged the Los Angeles community to remain vigilant to ensure compliance with federal court orders prohibiting arrests based on racial profiling or without reasonable suspicion, reports 24brussels.
ACLU attorney Mohammad Tajsar emphasized the importance of community awareness, stating, “If the federal government storms the streets with armed and masked agents… my message to everyone is: If you see something, say something.” This statement comes after a month of immigration raids that instilled fear among residents.
The lawsuit involved five detained workers and advocacy groups, including the Los Angeles Worker Center Network and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). These entities are focused on holding federal agencies accountable for what they consider unconstitutional enforcement measures and the arbitrary quotas in arrests.
“We aim to hold the federal government accountable for the authoritarian horrors it unleashed in Southern California,” Tajsar noted, inviting others to join in defending the integrity of communities of color. The ACLU indicated that local organizations will monitor federal activities to ensure adherence to the court order.
Lead plaintiff Pedro Vasquez Perdomo shared his traumatic experience during a press conference, urging others to resist indiscriminate enforcement through collective action. He recounted being detained in Pasadena on June 18 while waiting for a bus, describing the situation as degrading and inhumane. Despite suffering from diabetes and an eye infection, he received no medical treatment during his three-week detention.
Vasquez Perdomo’s fear persists as he worries that immigration authorities may target him again based on his skin color. He conveyed the emotional toll of his experience, stating, “I don’t want silence to be our story,” highlighting the need for unity in the face of unjust policies.
As the community prepares for a hearing on September 24 concerning the court order, there is a growing sentiment to ensure that all individuals advocate for their rights and challenge any potential violations of the legal protections in place. The implications of this ruling extend beyond Los Angeles, informing national conversations surrounding immigration enforcement and community safety.
