Press Release  AG Campbell Supports Lawsuit To Block ICE And CBP From Unlawful Practices In Los Angeles

Boston — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief in support of plaintiffs in Vasquez Perdomo et al. v Noem et al seeking a temporary restraining order to enjoin the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from engaging in unconstitutional and unlawful stops of Los Angeles residents during immigration sweeps. The lawsuit comes amid the Trump Administration’s aggressive, militaristic immigration raids in Los Angeles that have terrified immigrant and non-immigrant residents alike, chilled community members’ participation in civic society, and impeded law enforcement and public safety.  

“The aggressive immigration enforcement tactics detailed in this lawsuit do nothing to make our communities safer and instead create a culture of chaos and fear,” said AG Campbell. “These discriminatory practices are simply un-American, and I will continue fighting back against actions that violate peoples’ rights and the rule of law.” 

Today’s brief argues that ICE tactics in Los Angeles have harmed local economies, public health, and other aspects of daily life. For example, one neighborhood farmer’s market recently closed its doors due to increased ICE activity in the neighborhood. In a statement, the market said that “many farmers are scared and have chosen not to attend.” One local hospital – St. John’s Community Health – stated that it has seen cancellation rates triple since ICE raids began. A Pentacostal church in East Los Angeles reports it has lost nearly half of its in-person membership.

The plaintiffs in this case are individuals who have been targeted by ICE activity in Los Angeles as well as membership organizations whose members have been affected by the raids. In their motion for temporary restraining order, the plaintiffs allege that ICE and CBP have a policy and practice of engaging in unconstitutional stops across Los Angeles that are not based on reasonable, individualized suspicion of unlawful presence, but are instead based on racial profiling. 

The amicus brief points out that federal law enforcement’s tactics in conducting these stops, which include wearing masks and refusing to identify themselves, have caused widespread confusion and fear, as many individuals have been unable to distinguish federal agents from criminals. In one instance, the Pasadena Police Department recently investigated reports of a man stepping out of an unmarked car, pointing a firearm at a group of pedestrians, and then speeding off after activating red and blue emergency lights. The police later determined the man was likely an ICE agent. Law enforcement has also responded to reports of kidnappings and hit-and-run incidents, only to later determine that the incidents were part of ICE operations.

In submitting their brief, the attorney generals support the plaintiffs’ request to issue a preliminary injunction against ICE and CBP to enjoin the agencies from conducting unlawful stops during immigration sweeps. 

Joining AG Campbell in filing this brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

A copy of the amicus brief, which is subject to court approval, can be found here. 

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