Immigrant Advocacy Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Unlawful Stops, Warrantless Arrests

Lawsuit alleges racial profiling, lack of probable cause in immigration enforcement actions across New York

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A pensive, solitary figure stands on a quiet New York City street corner, the scene rendered in a cinematic, nostalgic style that evokes a sense of unease and uncertainty.Immigrant advocacy groups challenge federal immigration enforcement tactics that have sown fear in New York communities.NYC Today

Several immigrant advocacy groups have filed a class action lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, accusing federal agents of unlawful stops, warrantless immigration arrests, and racial profiling of Latino residents in New York. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of eight individuals and the Workers' Center of Central New York, claims agents routinely violate legal requirements for reasonable suspicion and probable cause, and disproportionately target Black and Latino communities.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights growing concerns over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and their impact on immigrant communities. It alleges federal agents are overstepping constitutional protections against unlawful detention and discrimination, creating widespread fear that is limiting daily activities for many residents, including U.S. citizens and lawful immigrants.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by Make the Road New York in collaboration with the Legal Aid Society, the New York Civil Liberties Union, and Covington & Burling LLP. It claims federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have arrested nearly 2,900 non-citizens in the New York City area during the first six months of the current administration - more than triple the number recorded in the previous period.

  • The lawsuit was filed on April 16, 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

The players

Make the Road New York

An immigrant advocacy group that is leading the lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Legal Aid Society

A nonprofit legal services organization that is collaborating with Make the Road New York on the lawsuit.

New York Civil Liberties Union

A civil rights organization that is also part of the legal team filing the lawsuit.

Covington & Burling LLP

A law firm representing the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General who has condemned the alleged immigration enforcement practices as illegal.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Residents should not have to fear being targeted because of their race.”

— Letitia James, New York Attorney General

What’s next

The lawsuit aims to hold federal authorities accountable and reaffirm constitutional protections against unlawful detention and discrimination. A judge will determine whether to certify the case as a class action.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement tactics and their disproportionate impact on minority communities. It raises broader questions about balancing national security priorities with civil liberties and the rights of citizens and legal residents.