By Steve Neavling
A federal judge has barred Border Patrol agents from stopping or arresting individuals in California’s Central Valley without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, following controversial immigration sweeps in January that led to nearly 80 arrests, The New York Times reports.
The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU and United Farm Workers, who allege agents targeted farmworkers and day laborers in Kern County without legal justification, often based on appearance alone. Public records show that 77 of the 78 people arrested had no known criminal or immigration history before their detention.
Judge Jennifer L. Thurston issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday, finding the government failed to rebut claims that agents violated constitutional protections during the operation, which included monitoring gas stations and home improvement stores.
“This ruling upholds the basic standards of law in the country,” said Elizabeth Strater of United Farm Workers.
The injunction will remain in effect as the case moves forward. Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection declined to comment.
