Lawsuit alleges Border Patrol detained legal residents in Northern California based on racial profiling

In January, Border Patrol agents targeted predominantly Latino Kern County, 300 miles from the California-Mexico border, under the guise of searching for criminal immigrants. The tactics used by the agents were described as racial profiling and resulted in arrests without warrants, coercion to leave the country, and abuse of power. Several individuals, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, were arrested in this operation, causing trauma and fear in the community. Border Patrol officials claim the arrests were highly targeted, but attorneys representing those affected stated that the actions of the agents have had a widespread impact on families. Many individuals were tricked into signing documents agreeing to leave the country voluntarily without understanding the long-term consequences. Border Patrol Chief Agent Gregory Bovino has been accused of going rogue with this operation, which was carried out well beyond the 100-mile border zone where warrantless searches are allowed. The lawsuit filed against the agents alleges violations of constitutional rights, including protections against detention without reasonable suspicion and arrest without a warrant. The incident has caused significant upheaval in the Central Valley region of California, and legal representatives are seeking justice for those affected by the Border Patrol’s actions.

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