Case: United Farmworkers v. Department of Labor

1:25-cv-01614 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

Filed Date: Nov. 21, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

The United Farm Workers union, UFW Foundation, and numerous individual farmworkers filed this lawsuit on November 21, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against the Department of Labor and its officials. The complaint challenges an interim final rule issued by DOL on October 2, 2025, that fundamentally altered how Adverse Effect Wage Rates are calculated under the H-2A foreign guestworker program. Plaintiffs allege the IFR drastically cuts the minimum wages …

The United Farm Workers union, UFW Foundation, and numerous individual farmworkers filed this lawsuit on November 21, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against the Department of Labor and its officials. The complaint challenges an interim final rule issued by DOL on October 2, 2025, that fundamentally altered how Adverse Effect Wage Rates are calculated under the H-2A foreign guestworker program. Plaintiffs allege the IFR drastically cuts the minimum wages that employers must pay temporary foreign farmworkers through several mechanisms: (1) a two-tier classification system where most positions fall into "Skill Level I" with wages set at only the 17th percentile; (2) a housing deduction that can reduce wages by up to 30%; (3) reliance on survey data that doesn't cover farm establishments; and (4) a "primary duty" test that depresses wages for complex work. The complaint asserted three causes of action under the Administrative Procedure Act, claiming the rule violates statutory requirements to prevent adverse effects on U.S. worker wages, is arbitrary and capricious, and was improperly issued without required public notice and comment. Plaintiffs sought preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent implementation of the rule, along with an order vacating the regulation and compelling adoption of a lawful wage methodology.

On December 22, 2025, plaintiffs filed a motion for a stay of, and preliminary injunction preventing defendants from implementing or otherwise taking any action to enforce, the Interim Final Rule DOL published in the Federal Register on October 2, 2025.

The court continued a scheduling conference originally set for March 2026 to November 2026.

The case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Maddy Ligon (2/11/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71949211/parties/united-farm-workers-v-united-states-department-of-labor/


Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

1:25-cv-01614

Complaint

United Farmworkers et al. v. Department of Labor et al.

Nov. 21, 2025

Nov. 21, 2025

Complaint
21

1:25-cv-01614

Notice of Motion for Plaintiffs' Motion for a Section 705 Stay and Preliminary Injunction

United Farm Workers v. United States Department of Labor

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71949211/united-farm-workers-v-united-states-department-of-labor/

Last updated July 28, 2026, 4:54 p.m.

Docket for: United Farm Workers v. United States Department of Labor
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Nov. 21, 2025

COMPLAINT against All Defendants by Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Jose Cruz, UFW Foundation, Jesus Lopez, United Farm Workers, Jane Doe I, Evelyn Medina, Fortino Lopez, Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Irene Mendoza, Aaron Grimaldo, Carina Martinez, Celeste Whittle, John Doe I, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Francisco Alvares Flores, Claudia Garcia, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Jane Doe II, Cristano Serrano. Attorney Aguilasocho, Edgar I. added. (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/21/2025)

Clearinghouse
2 Nov. 21, 2025

CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Jane Doe I, John Doe I, Jane Doe II, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle. (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/21/2025)

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3 Nov. 21, 2025

SUMMONS ISSUED as to *Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor* with answer to complaint due within *60* days. Attorney *Edgar I. Aguilasocho* *Martinez Aguilasocho Law, Inc.* *1527 19th Street, Ste Unit 332* *Bakersfield, CA 93301*. (Deputy Clerk EF) (Entered: 11/21/2025)

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4 Nov. 21, 2025

CIVIL NEW CASE DOCUMENTS ISSUED; Initial Scheduling Conference set for 2/24/2026 at 09:30 AM in Bakersfield (CDB) before Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker. (Attachments: # 1 CDB Worksheet, # 2 Standing Order, # 3 Consent Form, # 4 VDRP) (Deputy Clerk EF) (Entered: 11/21/2025)

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Nov. 21, 2025

Receipt

Nov. 21, 2025

RECEIPT number ACAEDC-12616503 for $405.00 fbo United Farm Workers et al. from Edgar I. Aguilasocho. (Deputy Clerk AML)

5 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Kuntal Cholera to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629039) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

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6 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Mark E. Andrews-Lee to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629109) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

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7 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Christina Coleburn to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629134) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

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8 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Lori Johnson to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629159) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

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9 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Thomas Plotkin to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629177) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

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10 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Rebecca Rosefelt to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629249) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

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11 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Lindsay Williams to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629285) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

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12 Dec. 1, 2025

CLERK'S NOTICE REASSIGNING CASE (TEXT ONLY). This case has been assigned to Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto. The new case number is: 1:25-cv-1614-KES-SKO. Reassignment as to Referral Role Only. Venue is proper in Fresno, Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker no longer assigned. (Deputy Clerk RMG) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

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13 Dec. 1, 2025

CIVIL NEW CASE DOCUMENTS ISSUED; Initial Scheduling Conference set for 3/19/2026 at 09:30 AM in Courtroom 7 (SKO) before Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto. Initial Scheduling Conference previously set for 2/24/2026 at 09:30 AM in Bakersfield (CDB) before Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker, has been VACATED. (Attachments: # 1 Standing Order, # 2 Consent Form, # 3 VDRP) (Deputy Clerk RMG) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

1 Standing Order

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2 Consent Form

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3 VDRP

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14 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 5 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Kuntal V. Cholera, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

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15 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 6 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Mark E. Andrews-Lee, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

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16 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 7 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Christina Colebum, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

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17 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 8 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Lori Johnson, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

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18 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 9 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Thomas I. Plotkin, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

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19 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 10 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Rebecca Rosefelt, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

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20 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 11 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Lindsay Williams, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

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21 Dec. 22, 2025

MOTION to STAY, MOTION for PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION ( Motion Hearing set for 1/22/2026 at 09:00 AM in Courtroom 6 (KES) before District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff.) by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle. Attorney Cholera, Kuntal V. added. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Declaration of T. Romero, # 3 Declaration of A. Grimaldo, # 4 Declaration of J. Cruz, # 5 Declaration of F. Lopez, # 6 Declaration of C. Serrano, # 7 Declaration of C. Garcia, # 8 Declaration of I. Mendoza, # 9 Exhibit 1, # 10 Exhibit 2, # 11 Exhibit 3, # 12 Exhibit 4, # 13 Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Declaration of T. Romero

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3 Declaration of A. Grimaldo

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4 Declaration of J. Cruz

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5 Declaration of F. Lopez

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6 Declaration of C. Serrano

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7 Declaration of C. Garcia

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8 Declaration of I. Mendoza

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9 Exhibit 1

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10 Exhibit 2

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11 Exhibit 3

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12 Exhibit 4

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13 Proposed Order Proposed Order

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Clearinghouse
22 Dec. 23, 2025

STIPULATION and PROPOSED ORDER Briefing Schedule for Preliminary Injunction Motion re 21 Motion to Stay,,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,, by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle. (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

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23 Dec. 31, 2025

ORDER signed by District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on 12/30/2025. Based on the parties' stipulation and good cause appearing, the Court HEREBY adopts the following briefing schedule for the plaintiffs' preliminary injunction motion, Doc. 21, in this case: Defendants' Opposition: January 22, 2026. Plaintiffs' Reply: February 5, 2026. Given this revised briefing schedule, the hearing on plaintiffs' motion, currently set for January 22, 2026, is vacated and the motion will be taken under submission upon the filing of plaintiff's reply. The hearing may be reset if the Court determines that oral argument is warranted. (Deputy Clerk CLA) (Entered: 12/31/2025)

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24 Jan. 21, 2026

NOTICE of APPEARANCE by Alexandra McTague, GOVT on behalf of Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor. Attorney McTague, Alexandra added. (McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

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25 Jan. 21, 2026

MOTION excess pages for PI opposition brief by Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor. (McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

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26 Jan. 21, 2026

OPPOSITION by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle to 25 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief. (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

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27 Jan. 21, 2026

ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANTS' MOTION TO EXCEED PAGE LIMITATIONS 25 signed by District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on 1/21/2026. (Deputy Clerk VMG) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

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28 Jan. 22, 2026

OPPOSITION by Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor to 21 Motion to Stay,,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,,. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 01/22/2026)

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29 Jan. 29, 2026

Consent MOTION of the North Carolina Chamber for Leave to File a Brief as Amicus Curiae in Support of Defendants' Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction and 705 Stay, filed by Attorneys for the North Carolina Chamber. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum Amicus Brief)(Malitz, Jeanne) Modified/Corrected based on call from attorney's office on 1/30/2026 (CRM). (Entered: 01/29/2026)

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30 Jan. 30, 2026

MINUTE ORDER signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 1/30/2026: (Text Only Entry) In light of the pending motion(s), the Initial Scheduling Conference currently set for 3/19/2026, is CONTINUED to 11/5/2026, at 9:45 AM, before Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto. The parties SHALL file their joint scheduling report 7 days prior to the conference. (Deputy Clerk WAK) (Entered: 01/30/2026)

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31 Jan. 30, 2026

MOTION for EXTENSION of TIME to FILE ANSWER by Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor. (McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 01/30/2026)

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Jan. 30, 2026

Minute Order AND ~Util - 1 Set/Reset Deadlines and Hearings

32 Feb. 2, 2026

ORDER GRANTING UNOPPOSED MOTION TO EXTEND TIME TO RESPOND TO COMPLAINT. Order signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 2/2/2026. (Deputy Clerk WAK) (Entered: 02/02/2026)

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33 Feb. 5, 2026

MOTION Leave to file Amicus Curiae by Amicus California Farm Bureau Federation,, National Council of Agricultural Employers. Attorney Hause-Schultz, Rebecca A. added. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum ISO Defendants' Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction and 705 Sta)(Hause-Schultz, Rebecca) (Entered: 02/05/2026)

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34 Feb. 5, 2026

REPLY by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle to RESPONSE to 21 Motion to Stay,,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,,. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration (Romero), # 2 Declaration (Panfilo))(Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 02/05/2026)

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35 Feb. 11, 2026

MINUTE ORDER signed by District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on 2/11/2026: (Text Only Entry): Having considered the unopposed [29, 33] motions for leave to file briefs as amici curiae, the Court grants the motions. The respective briefs attached to the [29, 33] motions are deemed filed upon entry of this minute order. (Deputy Clerk VMG) (Entered: 02/11/2026)

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Feb. 11, 2026

Minute Order AND Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief AND Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

36 Feb. 19, 2026

MINUTE ORDER signed by District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on 2/19/2026: (Text Only Entry), A hearing on plaintiffs' motion for a Section 705 stay and preliminary injunction (Doc. 21 ) is SET for March 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 6 before District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff. (Deputy Clerk VMG) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

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Feb. 19, 2026

Minute Order AND ~Util - 1 Set/Reset Deadlines and Hearings

37 Feb. 23, 2026

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by National Council of Agricultural Employers for attorney Christopher James Schulte to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12941670) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing of C Schulte) (Hause-Schultz, Rebecca) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

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38 Feb. 25, 2026

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by Jeanne Marie Malitz for attorney Joseph Alexander Bilby to appear Pro Hac Vice. Attorney Malitz, Jeanne Marie added. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12956527) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Malitz, Jeanne) (Entered: 02/25/2026)

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39 Feb. 25, 2026

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by Jeanne Marie Malitz for attorney Leon R. Sequeira to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12956629) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Malitz, Jeanne) (Entered: 02/25/2026)

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40 Feb. 27, 2026

ORDER GRANTING 37 Application for Pro Hac Vice, signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 2/27/2026. Added attorney Christopher James Schulte, PHV for United Farm Workers, et al. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk OFR) (Entered: 02/27/2026)

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41 Feb. 27, 2026

ORDER GRANTING 38 Application for Pro Hac Vice, signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 2/27/2026. Added attorney Joseph Alexander Bilby, PHV for The North Carolina Chamber. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk OFR) (Entered: 02/27/2026)

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42 Feb. 27, 2026

ORDER GRANTING 39 Application for Pro Hac Vice, signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 2/27/2026. Added attorney Leon R. Sequeira, PHV for The North Carolina Chamber. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk OFR) (Entered: 02/27/2026)

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43 March 18, 2026

MINUTES (Text Only) for proceedings held before District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff: MOTION TO STAY and MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION HEARING held on 3/18/2026. The motion(s) argued and submitted. The matter is taken under submission. Written order to follow. Plaintiff's Counsel Kuntal Cholera present. Defendant's Counsel Alexandra McTague via video present. Court Reporter/CD Number: O. Rosales. (Deputy Clerk VMG) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

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March 18, 2026

Motion Hearing

44 April 15, 2026

SUBSTITUTION of ATTORNEY - PROPOSED, submitted by Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor. (McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 04/15/2026)

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45 April 15, 2026

AMENDED DOCUMENT by Amicus California Farm Bureau Federation,, National Council of Agricultural Employers: Amended 40 Order on Application for Pro Hac Vice, Attorney Schulte, Christopher James added. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Original Granted Pro Hac Vice)(Schulte, Christopher) (Entered: 04/15/2026)

1 Exhibit 1 - Original Granted Pro Hac Vice

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46 April 17, 2026

CLERK'S NOTICE to Attorney Christopher Schulte re 45 Amended Document: Your Filing is entitled Amended Document but the actual document is a Pro Hac Vice Application. Please refile your pro hac vice application using the event Application for Pro Hac Vice and Proposed Order. (Deputy Clerk SSA) (Entered: 04/17/2026)

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47 April 17, 2026

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by Amicus California Farm Bureau Federation,, National Council of Agricultural Employers for attorney Christopher James Schulte to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Schulte, Christopher) (Entered: 04/17/2026)

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48 April 20, 2026

AMENDED - PRO HAC VICE ORDER signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 4/20/2026; Attorney Christopher James Schulte. (Deputy Clerk WAK) (Entered: 04/20/2026)

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49 April 20, 2026

CONSENT ORDER GRANTING Substitution of Attorney, signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 4/20/2026. Patrick Keating added for Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, and United States Department of Labor in place of attorney Alexandra McTague, GOVT. Attorney Patrick Keating is directed to register on PACER.gov in order to file in this court. (Deputy Clerk CRM) (Entered: 04/20/2026)

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50 May 5, 2026

ORDER REASSIGNING CASE signed by Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley: Due to the retirement of Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto from the bench of the Eastern District of California, this action is reassigned to *Magistrate Judge Erin Guy Castillo* for all further proceedings. (Deputy Clerk RMG) (Entered: 05/05/2026)

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51 May 14, 2026

ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION AND SECTION 705 STAY 21 signed by District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on 5/13/2026. (Deputy Clerk VMG) (Entered: 05/14/2026)

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52 May 22, 2026

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST by United States Department of Labor for proceedings held on March 18, 2026 before Judge Sherriff. Court Reporter ECRO Fresno. (Keating, Patrick) (Entered: 05/22/2026)

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53 May 27, 2026

JOINT STATEMENT of Summary Judgment Briefing Schedule Proposals filed by Plaintiffs Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle. (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 05/27/2026)

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54 May 29, 2026

MINUTE ORDER ***TEXT ENTRY ONLY*** In light of the reassignment of this case to Magistrate Judge Erin Guy Castillo, (Doc. 50 ), in advance of the Initial Scheduling Conference set for 11/5/2026, at 9:45 AM, the Court directs the parties to review Judge Guy Castillo's standing orders and recommends use of the Court's Joint Scheduling Report Template (found at: https://www.caed.uscourts.gov/caednew/assets/File/EGC/2026_5_05%20EGC%20Joint% 20Scheduling%20Report%20Template%20(adapted%20from%20HBK)_clean.pdf). (Deputy Clerk WAK) (Entered: 05/29/2026)

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55 June 1, 2026

CERTIFICATE / PROOF of SERVICE by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle re 1 Complaint,. (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 06/01/2026)

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56 June 1, 2026

CERTIFICATE / PROOF of SERVICE by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle re 1 Complaint,. (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 06/01/2026)

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57 June 1, 2026

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle for proceedings held on 3/18/2026 before Judge Sherriff. Court Reporter ECRO Fresno. (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 06/01/2026)

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58 June 2, 2026

CLERK'S NOTICE to Attorney Kuntal Cholera re: 55 & 56 Certificate / Proof of Service of Complaint: When filing a proof of service of the Summons and Complaint, you must use the event Summons Returned Executed under the Service of Process category. For a proof of service as to all other documents, use the event Certificate of Service. Please re-file your document using the correct event, if necessary. If you need assistance, please contact the CM/ECF help desk at 866-884-5444. (Deputy Clerk OFR) (Entered: 06/02/2026)

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59 June 2, 2026

***Disregard per 62 Clerk's Notice*** SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED: All Plaintiffs. (Cholera, Kuntal) Modified on 6/2/2026 (CM). (Entered: 06/02/2026)

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60 June 2, 2026

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED: All Defendants. (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 06/02/2026)

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61 June 2, 2026

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED: (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 06/02/2026)

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62 June 2, 2026

CLERK'S NOTICE to Disregard re 59 Summons Returned Executed : Please disregard this entry as per Attorney's Office, the document links to incorrect parties. Corrected entry refiled under ECF 60 . (Deputy Clerk CM) (Entered: 06/02/2026)

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63 June 9, 2026

MINUTE ORDER signed by District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on 6/09/2026: (Text Only Entry). Having considered the parties' positions in the 53 joint statement, the Court SETS the following briefing schedule on cross-motions for summary judgment: The defendants shall file the administrative record, and their answer to the complaint, on or before June 17, 2026; any motion for summary judgment shall be filed on or before July 1, 2026; any opposition shall be filed on or before July 15, 2026; and any reply briefs shall be filed on or before July 29, 2026. No hearing date shall be noticed, but the Court may set a hearing on the motion(s) after briefing is completed. (Deputy Clerk VMG) (Entered: 06/09/2026)

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June 9, 2026

Minute Order

64 June 12, 2026

TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings held on 3/18/2026, before District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff. MOTION TO STAY and MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION HEARING filed by ECRO, Phone number 559-499-5928 or 559-499-5290 E-mail Fresno_ECRO@caed.uscourts.gov. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Any Notice of Intent to Request Redaction must be filed within 5 court days. Redaction Request due 7/6/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 7/13/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 9/11/2026. (Deputy Clerk PVY) (Entered: 06/12/2026)

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65 June 16, 2026

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle for proceedings held on 3/18/2026 before Judge Sherriff. Court Reporter ECRO Fresno. (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 06/16/2026)

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83 July 15, 2026

OPPOSITION by Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor to 72 Motion for Summary Judgment,,. (Keating, Patrick) (Entered: 07/15/2026)

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84 July 15, 2026

RESPONSE by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle to 73 Motion for Summary Judgment. (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 07/15/2026)

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85 July 17, 2026

MOTION for Leave to File Brief for Members of Congress as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment (Unopposed) by Members of Congress. Attorney Babbitt, Christopher Edmunds added. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Amicus Brief, # 2 Proposed Order)(Babbitt, Christopher) (Entered: 07/17/2026)

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86 July 21, 2026

MINUTE ORDER signed by District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on 7/21/2026: (Text Only Entry): Having considered the unopposed 85 motion for leave to file brief as amici curiae, the Court grants the motion. The brief attached to the motion at Doc. 85-1 is deemed filed upon entry of this minute order. (Deputy Clerk VMG) (Entered: 07/21/2026)

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July 21, 2026

Minute Order AND Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

87 July 22, 2026

Notice of Appearance

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88 July 22, 2026

Application for Pro Hac Vice and Proposed Order

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89 July 22, 2026

Application for Pro Hac Vice and Proposed Order

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90 July 22, 2026

Application for Pro Hac Vice and Proposed Order

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91 July 23, 2026

Order on Application for Pro Hac Vice

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92 July 23, 2026

Order on Application for Pro Hac Vice

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93 July 23, 2026

Order on Application for Pro Hac Vice

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Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Labor Rights

Immigration and/or the Border

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 21, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs include the United Farm Workers union, the UFW Foundation, and numerous individual farmworkers (both U.S. citizens and H-2A workers) from various states.

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of California 1:25-at-01137

Eastern District of California 1:25-cv-01614

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Employment

Temporary foreign workers program

Recommended Citation