Lawsuit plaintiff arrested by ICE; Attorneys alleging 'Shocking act of retaliation' - Los Angeles Times

Isaac Antonio Villegas Molina, a plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit challenging ICE raids, was arrested by ICE during a routine check-in, prompting his lawyers to allege retaliation. Villegas, a Pasadena resident from Panama, had been released on bond and was awaiting a hearing to terminate his removal proceedings. His attorneys filed a habeas petition, arguing the arrest is a direct response to his lawsuit, which challenges the legality of ICE's roving patrols under the Fourth Amendment.

The Department of Homeland Security claims Villegas was re-arrested due to multiple violations of his supervised release, citing a criminal record including felonies for forgery and fraud. However, Villegas’ attorney maintains he complied with all release conditions. The National Day Laborer Organizing Network organized a rally to protest the arrest, calling it unlawful and a violation of his First Amendment rights.

The lawsuit, *Vasquez Perdomo vs. Mullin*, initially secured a temporary restraining order against ICE, later stayed by the Supreme Court, and remains ongoing. Advocates argue Villegas’ arrest is a deliberate attempt to intimidate and undermine the case, and they demand his immediate release, emphasizing his courage in challenging the government’s actions.

(Source：Los Angeles Times)