The Los Angeles Post

Solis Leads the County of Los Angeles in Joining Federal Class Action Lawsuit Against ICE

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As a result of a motion authored by Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis, the County of Los Angeles joins the civil rights suit.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the County of Los Angeles joined a federal class action lawsuit seeking an end to warrantless arrests and seizures caused by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement:

“Last week, I introduced a motion directing County Counsel to explore all legal avenues to protect the civil rights of Los Angeles County residents and to prevent unconstitutional immigration enforcement by federal agencies. Today, 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.

This lawsuit—brought by civil and immigrant rights organizations including the United Farm Workers, the American Civil Liberties Union, Public Counsel, and the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, and joined by numerous cities — challenges unlawful federal enforcement actions that have included racial profiling, warrantless arrests, denial of access to legal counsel, and the use of excessive force.

For the past month, we’ve seen individuals picked up at car washes and Home Depot parking lots, then simply disappear without warrants, probable cause, or due process. In fact, even yesterday, the heavily-armed federal presence in MacArthur Park was not only unprovoked, but aimed to further intimidate our residents. These actions have created fear, trauma, and instability in our communities. Small businesses are suffering. People are afraid to go to work, take their kids to school, or ride public transportation.

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.”