Federal Judge Limits Immigration Arrests in Oregon

Fri Feb 06 2026 01:10:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A U.S. District Judge has ruled that immigration agents in Oregon are prohibited from making arrests without warrants unless there is a likelihood of escape, amid ongoing concerns over civil rights.

U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai issued a preliminary injunction that restricts immigration arrests in Oregon, stating that agents must have an administrative warrant or ensure the potential for escape before making an arrest. This ruling follows testimonies from individuals affected by the raids, including a grandfather who was held despite having a valid work permit. The decision highlights ongoing concerns regarding the enforcement practices of immigration agents and their implications for due process.

In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai determined that immigration agents in Oregon must cease warrantless arrests unless there's a credible risk of escape. This preliminary injunction stems from a proposed class-action lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, criticizing practices that many describe as 'arrest first, justify later.'

The ruling comes amidst increasing scrutiny of immigration enforcement tactics, particularly under the previous administration's mass deportation policies. Recent directives from Todd Lyons, acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, instructed agents that they should have an administrative arrest warrant or established likelihood of escape before making arrests.

Evidence presented in court indicated that agents have repeatedly conducted arrests without the necessary warrants or without verifying whether escape was a possibility. Testimony from Victor Cruz Gamez, a 56-year-old grandfather who had lived in the U.S. since 1999, highlighted the severity of these practices. He was detained for three weeks despite holding a valid work permit and having an active visa application.

Judge Kasubhai denounced the aggressive tactics used by immigration agents, including drawing firearms while detaining individuals for civil immigration violations, labeling them as 'violent and brutal.' He expressed concern over the erosion of due process amid such operations.

“Due process calls for those who have great power to exercise great restraint,” Kasubhai stated, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional rights. The lawsuit was brought forth by the nonprofit law firm Innovation Law Lab, reflecting ongoing efforts to protect the rights of immigrants in the face of stringent enforcement measures.