Case: Immigration Center for Women and Children v. Noem

2:25-cv-09848 | U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Filed Date: Oct. 14, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case challenges U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies implemented in 2025 that permit the routine detention and removal of noncitizen survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other serious crimes. The lawsuit targets three specific policies: the January 2025 (ICE Policy Number 11005.4) which reversed prior protections ; the "De Facto Revocation Policy," which involves detaining and deporting survivors who have valid deferred action status without prior notic…

This case challenges U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies implemented in 2025 that permit the routine detention and removal of noncitizen survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other serious crimes. The lawsuit targets three specific policies: the January 2025 (ICE Policy Number 11005.4) which reversed prior protections ; the "De Facto Revocation Policy," which involves detaining and deporting survivors who have valid deferred action status without prior notice; and the "Blind Removal Policy," under which ICE deports survivors with pending visa applications without first conducting a legally required inquiry into their eligibility for relief.

The suit is brought by several individual survivors who have been detained or deported and by legal organizations including the Immigration Center for Women and Children (ICWC), Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), La Raza Centro Legal (LRCL), and the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ). The Plaintiffs argue that Congress established a framework over the last 30 years—including VAWA self-petitions, U visas, and T visas—to protect noncitizen crime survivors from deportation, aiming to improve public safety by encouraging them to cooperate with law enforcement. For decades, DHS policy generally protected individuals with pending survivor-based benefit petitions from immigration enforcement. The lawsuit alleges that in January 2025, ICE issued new guidance that "rescinded and superseded" these prior victim-centered policies. This new policy under the presidential executive order calling for "total" enforcement, allegedly allows for the routine detention and removal of survivors, even those previously granted deferred action. The case was assigned to Judge Andre Birotte Jr.

On October 14, 2025, the plaintiffs filed this class action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The suit names Kristi Noem (in her official capacity as Secretary of Homeland Security), ICE, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as defendants. Plaintiffs allege that the 2025 Guidance and the subsequent policies violate the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) , the Immigration Nationality Act (INA) , and the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the Constitution. Key claims assert the policies are arbitrary and capricious, in excess of statutory authority, and violate procedural due process by revoking deferred action and removing survivors without notice or a hearing.

The plaintiffs seek to certify three nationwide classes: the "Pending Petition Class," the "Deferred Action Class," and the "Stay of Removal Class". They request that the Court declare the 2025 Guidance, the De Facto Revocation Policy, and the Blind Removal Policy unlawful. They also seek preliminary and permanent injunctions to set aside and block the policies. The complaint asks for remedial orders, including the release of detained plaintiffs and class members and writs of habeas corpus to allow plaintiffs who were deported under these policies to return to the United States.

The case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Muhammad Hammad Amin (11/11/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71648919/parties/immigration-center-for-women-and-children-v-kristi/


Judge(s)

Birotte, Andre (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Brown, Rebecca Sarah (California)

Rivas, Kathleen (California)

Vakili, Bardis (California)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

2:25-cv-09848

Complaint for Injunctive, Declaratory, and APA Relief

Oct. 14, 2025

Oct. 14, 2025

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71648919/immigration-center-for-women-and-children-v-kristi/

Last updated Nov. 27, 2025, 12:20 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT Receipt No: ACACDC-40700682 - Fee: $405, filed by plaintiff Camila B., Yessenia Ruano, Paulo C., Luna E., Daniel H., La Raza Centro Legal, California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Kenia J. Merlos, Immigration Center for Women and Children, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Carmen F., Lupe A.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet, # 3 Notice of Related Cases, # 4 Notice to Clerk) (Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party Lupe A.(pty:pla), Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party Camila B.(pty:pla), Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party Paulo C.(pty:pla), Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice(pty:pla), Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights(pty:pla), Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party Luna E.(pty:pla), Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party Carmen F.(pty:pla), Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party Daniel H.(pty:pla), Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party Immigration Center for Women and Children(pty:pla), Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party La Raza Centro Legal(pty:pla), Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party Kenia J. Merlos(pty:pla), Attorney Bardis Vakili added to party Yessenia Ruano(pty:pla))(Vakili, Bardis) (Entered: 10/14/2025)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Civil Cover Sheet

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3 Notice of Related Cases

View on RECAP

4 Notice to Clerk

View on PACER

Oct. 14, 2025

Oct. 14, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

First NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown on behalf of Plaintiffs Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano (Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party Lupe A.(pty:pla), Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party Camila B.(pty:pla), Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party Paulo C.(pty:pla), Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice(pty:pla), Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights(pty:pla), Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party Luna E.(pty:pla), Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party Carmen F.(pty:pla), Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party Daniel H.(pty:pla), Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party Immigration Center for Women and Children(pty:pla), Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party La Raza Centro Legal(pty:pla), Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party Kenia J. Merlos(pty:pla), Attorney Rebecca Sarah Brown added to party Yessenia Ruano(pty:pla))(Brown, Rebecca) (Entered: 10/14/2025)

Oct. 14, 2025

Oct. 14, 2025

3

First NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Kathleen Rivas on behalf of Plaintiffs Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano (Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party Lupe A.(pty:pla), Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party Camila B.(pty:pla), Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party Paulo C.(pty:pla), Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice(pty:pla), Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights(pty:pla), Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party Luna E.(pty:pla), Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party Carmen F.(pty:pla), Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party Daniel H.(pty:pla), Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party Immigration Center for Women and Children(pty:pla), Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party La Raza Centro Legal(pty:pla), Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party Kenia J. Merlos(pty:pla), Attorney Kathleen Rivas added to party Yessenia Ruano(pty:pla))(Rivas, Kathleen) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

4

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Carl J. Bergquist to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $500 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-40730209) filed by plaintiff Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Proposed Order) (Vakili, Bardis) (Entered: 10/17/2025)

Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

5

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT to District Judge Andre Birotte Jr and Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar. (et) (Entered: 10/18/2025)

Oct. 18, 2025

Oct. 18, 2025

6

NOTICE TO PARTIES OF COURT-DIRECTED ADR PROGRAM filed. (et) (Entered: 10/18/2025)

Oct. 18, 2025

Oct. 18, 2025

7

Notice to Counsel Re Consent to Proceed Before a United States Magistrate Judge. (et) (Entered: 10/18/2025)

Oct. 18, 2025

Oct. 18, 2025

8

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Sarah Kahn counsel for Plaintiffs Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano. Filed by Plaintiffs Plaintiffs. (Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party Lupe A.(pty:pla), Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party Camila B.(pty:pla), Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party Paulo C.(pty:pla), Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice(pty:pla), Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights(pty:pla), Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party Luna E.(pty:pla), Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party Carmen F.(pty:pla), Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party Daniel H.(pty:pla), Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party Immigration Center for Women and Children(pty:pla), Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party La Raza Centro Legal(pty:pla), Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party Kenia J. Merlos(pty:pla), Attorney Sarah Kahn added to party Yessenia Ruano(pty:pla))(Kahn, Sarah) (Entered: 10/18/2025)

Oct. 18, 2025

Oct. 18, 2025

9

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Erika Cervantes counsel for Plaintiffs Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano. Adding Erika Cervantes as counsel of record for Immigration Center for Women and Children; Lupe A.; Camila B.Paulo C.; Kenia J. Merlos; Luna E.; Carmen F.; Yessenia Ruano; Daniel H.; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights;La Raza Centro Legal; California Collaborat for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by plaintiff plaintiff. (Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party Lupe A.(pty:pla), Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party Camila B.(pty:pla), Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party Paulo C.(pty:pla), Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice(pty:pla), Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights(pty:pla), Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party Luna E.(pty:pla), Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party Carmen F.(pty:pla), Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party Daniel H.(pty:pla), Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party Immigration Center for Women and Children(pty:pla), Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party La Raza Centro Legal(pty:pla), Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party Kenia J. Merlos(pty:pla), Attorney Erika Cervantes added to party Yessenia Ruano(pty:pla))(Cervantes, Erika) (Entered: 10/19/2025)

Oct. 19, 2025

Oct. 19, 2025

10

INITIAL STANDING ORDER upon filing of the complaint by Judge Andre Birotte Jr. (evc) (Entered: 10/20/2025)

Oct. 20, 2025

Oct. 20, 2025

11

NOTICE of Deficiency in Electronically Filed Pro Hac Vice Application RE: APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Carl J. Bergquist to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., I 4 . The following error(s) was/were found: Local Rule 83-2.1.3.3(a) Application not complete: state and/or federal courts to which the applicant has been admitted are not listed. (aus) (Entered: 10/21/2025)

Oct. 21, 2025

Oct. 21, 2025

12

Summons Request

Oct. 21, 2025

Oct. 21, 2025

13

Summons Issued

Oct. 22, 2025

Oct. 22, 2025

14

Summons Issued

Oct. 22, 2025

Oct. 22, 2025

15

Summons Issued

Oct. 22, 2025

Oct. 22, 2025

16

Deficiency in Summons

Oct. 22, 2025

Oct. 22, 2025

17

Response By Court to Notice of Deficiencies (G-112B) - optional html form

Oct. 23, 2025

Oct. 23, 2025

18

PROOF OF SERVICE Executed by Plaintiff Camila B., Yessenia Ruano, Paulo C., Luna E., Daniel H., La Raza Centro Legal, California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Kenia J. Merlos, Immigration Center for Women and Children, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Carmen F., Lupe A., upon Defendant All Defendants. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon the United States Attorneys Office by delivering a copy to mailroom. Executed upon the Attorney Generals Office of the United States by delivering a copy to mailroom. Executed upon the officer agency or corporation by delivering a copy to mailroom. Service was executed in compliance with statute not specified. Due diligence declaration NOT attached. Registered or certified mail return receipt attached. (Attachments: # 1 Certified Mail receipts, # 2 USPS delivery notices)(Vakili, Bardis) (Entered: 10/28/2025)

Oct. 28, 2025

Oct. 28, 2025

19

APPLICATION to file document under seal filed by Plaintiffs Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Redacted Document, # 3 Redacted Document, # 4 Redacted Document, # 5 Redacted Document, # 6 Redacted Document, # 7 Redacted Document, # 8 Redacted Document, # 9 Redacted Document, # 10 Redacted Document, # 11 Redacted Document)(Vakili, Bardis) (Entered: 10/28/2025)

Oct. 28, 2025

Oct. 28, 2025

20

SEALED DECLARATION IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION to file document under seal 19 filed by Plaintiffs Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano. (Attachments: # 1 Unredacted Document, # 2 Unredacted Document, # 3 Unredacted Document, # 4 Unredacted Document, # 5 Unredacted Document, # 6 Unredacted Document, # 7 Unredacted Document, # 8 Unredacted Document, # 9 Unredacted Document, # 10 Unredacted Document, # 11 Unredacted Document)(Vakili, Bardis) (Entered: 10/28/2025)

Oct. 28, 2025

Oct. 28, 2025

21

Corrected EX PARTE APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Carl Johan Thorwald Bergquist to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $500.00 Previously Paid on 10/17/2025, Receipt No. 40730209) filed by All Plaintiffs Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Brown, Rebecca) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

Oct. 29, 2025

Oct. 29, 2025

22

ORDER by Judge Andre Birotte Jr: granting 21 Non-Resident Attorney Carl Johan Bergquist APPLICATION to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiffs Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano, designating Rebecca Brown as local counsel. THERE IS NO PDF ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY(aus) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

23

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Certify Class filed by plaintiff Lupe A., Camila B., Paulo C., California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Luna E., Carmen F., Daniel H., Immigration Center for Women and Children, La Raza Centro Legal, Kenia J. Merlos, Yessenia Ruano. Motion set for hearing on 12/12/2025 at 10:00 AM before Judge Andre Birotte Jr. (Attachments: # 1 Table of Exhibits, # 2 Exhibit Dec of Vakili, # 3 Exhibit Dec of Lupe A, # 4 Exhibit Dec of Camila B, # 5 Exhibit Dec of Paulo C, # 6 Exhibit Dec of Merlos, # 7 Exhibit Dec of Luna E, # 8 Exhibit Dec of Carmen F, # 9 Exhibit Dec of Ruano, # 10 Exhibit Dec of Daniel H, # 11 Exhibit Dec of Paulo C's Daughter, # 12 Exhibit Dec of Kahn, # 13 Exhibit Dec of Brown, # 14 Exhibit Dec of Weiner, # 15 Exhibit Dec of Bergquist, # 16 Exhibit Dec of Hoffman, # 17 Exhibit Dec of Egberg, # 18 Exhibit Dec of Dempster Greenbaum, # 19 Exhibit Dec of Fawcett, # 20 Exhibit Dec of McGee, # 21 Exhibit Dec of Woods, # 22 Exhibit Dec of Metelska, # 23 Exhibit Dec of Corbaci, # 24 Exhibit Dec of Velez, # 25 Proposed Order) (Vakili, Bardis) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

Appear Pro Hac Vice

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

24

Leave to File Document Under Seal

Oct. 31, 2025

Oct. 31, 2025

25

Appearance

Nov. 3, 2025

Nov. 3, 2025

26

Proof of Service (subsequent documents)

Nov. 5, 2025

Nov. 5, 2025

27

Leave to File Document

Nov. 12, 2025

Nov. 12, 2025

28

Errata

Nov. 13, 2025

Nov. 13, 2025

29

Proof of Service (subsequent documents)

Nov. 13, 2025

Nov. 13, 2025

30

Order

Nov. 14, 2025

Nov. 14, 2025

RECAP
31

Preliminary Injunction

1 Declaration of Bardis Vakili

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2 Declaration of Jessica Farb

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3 Declaration Susan Beaty

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4 Declaration of Jordan Weiner

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5 Declaration of Angelica Salas

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6 Declaration of Daniel Edward Logan, Jr.

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7 Declaration of Oscar Montes

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8 Declaration Erika Cervantes

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9 Proposed Order

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Nov. 14, 2025

Nov. 14, 2025

32

Proof of Service (subsequent documents)

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

33

Transfer DECLINED-(related case)(CV-34)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 14, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are noncitizen survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other serious crimes, who are in or pursuing lawful immigration status, as well as several legal organizations that represent them.

Attorney Organizations:

Center for Human Rights & Constitutional Law

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

Kristi Noem (- United States (national) -), Federal

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (- United States (national) -), Federal

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (- United States (national) -), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Law-enforcement

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

All Writs Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1651

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101 et seq.

Mandamus, 28 U.S.C. § 1361

Other Dockets:

Central District of California 2:25-cv-09848

Special Case Type(s):

Habeas

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Declaratory judgment

Habeas

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Deportation - criteria

Deportation - procedure

Detention - conditions

Detention - criteria

ICE/DHS/INS raid

Legalization/Amnesty

Refugees

Sanctuary city/state