In early January, Border Patrol agents deployed to Kern County, 300 miles from the California-Mexico border, in search of criminal immigrants. Attorneys allege that the agents targeted people based on skin color, leading to arrests without warrants and coercing individuals to agree to leave the country through voluntary departure. These actions left the region shaken. Some of those targeted included U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who were arrested and subjected to mistreatment by the agents.
The agents’ actions have been criticized by civil rights organizations and attorneys representing the individuals affected. The arrests, which targeted mainly Latino individuals, have had a wider impact, including on families with minor children who were left responsible for their care. The lawsuit filed against the Border Patrol agents accuses them of violating the plaintiffs’ Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights by detaining individuals without reasonable suspicion and expelling them through voluntary departure without proper procedures.
Border Patrol Chief Agent Gregory Bovino has been accused of leading the operation without proper authorization, and the Department of Homeland Security has stated that they refer misconduct allegations for investigation. The lawsuit is seeking justice for those affected by the agents’ actions and aims to hold the Border Patrol accountable for their violations of individuals’ rights. The arrests in Kern County have raised concerns about racial profiling and abuse of power by Border Patrol agents operating far from the border.
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