ACLU and UFW Allege Sacramento Immigration Raid Violated Court Order

Lawyers argue Border Patrol lacked 'reasonable suspicion' to detain people in Home Depot operation.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and United Farmworkers Union (UFW) have filed a motion in federal court, alleging that a 2025 immigration raid by Border Patrol agents in Sacramento violated a previous court order. The groups claim the agents lacked the 'reasonable suspicion' required to detain individuals, many of whom said they were simply looking for work at a Home Depot store. The case is now before a federal judge in Fresno, who questioned the government's justification for the arrests.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between immigrant advocates and federal immigration enforcement, particularly in California where the state has clashed with the Trump administration over immigration policies. The outcome could set precedents around the legal standards required for Border Patrol to conduct such raids, especially in areas with large immigrant populations.

The details

According to court filings, Border Patrol agents arrested 12 people during the July 2025 raid at a Home Depot store in Sacramento. The ACLU and UFW, who represent immigrants detained in earlier Kern County raids, argue the Sacramento operation violated a court order issued in April 2025 that required improved training for Border Patrol and barred arrests without specific reasons to believe someone was in the country illegally. Detainees claimed agents did not have reasonable suspicion to stop them, with one saying he was simply chatting with a day laborer and another stating he was a high school student on his way to buy clothes. The government defended the arrests, saying video showed people fleeing from agents, establishing legal grounds for detention.

  • The Sacramento raids occurred in July 2025.
  • The court order requiring improved Border Patrol training and restricting arrests was issued in April 2025.
  • The hearing in the Fresno federal court took place on February 6, 2026.

The players

ACLU

The American Civil Liberties Union, a nonprofit organization that defends civil rights and civil liberties.

UFW

The United Farmworkers Union, a labor union that represents agricultural workers.

Jennifer Thurston

A federal judge in Fresno who is presiding over the case.

Filiberto de Jesus Rivera-Molina

One of the individuals detained in the Sacramento raid, who claimed he had no criminal history and was targeted due to his Latino appearance.

Isael Lopez Mazariegos

A 50-year-old Sacramento resident who was quickly deported to Guatemala after being detained in the raid.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know why the agents arrested me. I have no criminal history. I think the agents arrested me because I was looking for work in front of Home Depot. I think it was because of racism, because I appear Latino.”

— Filiberto de Jesus Rivera-Molina (Declaration filed with the court)

“Suddenly, I felt a man grab my arm and push me hard trying to knock me down. I thought I was being assaulted. I looked around and saw two masked men. I had no idea who they were, and I was struggling to get away.”

— Isael Lopez Mazariegos (Declaration filed with the court)

“They didn't ask about my immigration status or whether I was a day laborer. I wasn't even arrested near the Home Depot.”

— Selvin Osbeli Mejia Diaz, High school student (Declaration filed with the court)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to issue a new injunction requiring the Border Patrol to comply with the previous court order restricting arrests without reasonable suspicion.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over immigration enforcement tactics, particularly in California where there is tension between state and federal authorities. The outcome could set important precedents around the standards Border Patrol must meet to conduct such raids in immigrant communities.