Judge Limits Border Patrol Arrests in California District

U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston has issued a preliminary injunction restricting Border Patrol agents in California's Eastern District from arresting or detaining suspected undocumented individuals without a warrant or reasonable suspicion, unless there is probable cause they may flee before a warrant can be obtained. The ruling stems from an ACLU and United Farm Workers lawsuit following 'Operation Return to Sender,' which accused agents of targeting farmworkers and day laborers based on appearance and detaining them without due process. Judge Thurston determined these practices violated constitutional rights and certified the case as a class action, extending protections to all similarly affected individuals. The injunction also bars deportation via 'voluntary departure' unless individuals are informed of their rights and consent to leave. Border Patrol must submit reports every 60 days detailing warrantless detentions and arrests until the case is resolved. The ruling applies only within California's Eastern District and underscores ongoing legal disputes surrounding federal immigration enforcement.