Demands Rise for Release of Lead Plaintiff in Immigration Case
Community leaders, attorneys, and immigrant advocates assembled outside a federal building in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, calling for the immediate release of Isaac Villegas Molina, the principal plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit. This legal action paused a federal investigation in Southern California last year until the U.S. Supreme Court permitted its resumption.
Background of Arrest
Villegas, a resident of Pasadena, was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday under questionable circumstances, according to immigration attorney Stacey Tolchin. In response, she filed a habeas petition in federal court, asserting that his detention is unlawful and demanding his swift release.
Details Surrounding His Arrest
At the time of his arrest, Villegas was en route to an appointment for the Intensive Surveillance Appearance Alternative Program (ISAP), an ICE-managed initiative designed for non-violent offenders. A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security stated that Villegas had previously been arrested and released on bail last summer but was taken into custody again for allegedly violating conditions of his supervised release.
Controversy over Violations
The Department characterized Villegas as “a criminal illegal alien” with a history that includes felony charges for forgery and fraud, as well as misdemeanors like DUI. However, Tolchin contests this characterization, asserting that, despite the difficulties of the ISAP program, Villegas complied fully with its requirements prior to his arrest.
Current Detention and Legal Proceedings
After his arrest, Villegas was initially placed in B-18, a makeshift federal holding facility, before being transferred to the Adelanto Detention Center. Tolchin suspects that his detention is linked to his upcoming court appearance on April 24, where he seeks to resolve his claims and conclude his deportation case. He argues that his unlawful arrest violates the Fourth Amendment.
History of Federal Encounters
Villegas’s legal troubles began in June 2025 amidst a series of aggressive federal immigration operations across Southern California. Along with fellow day laborers Pedro Vázquez Perdomo and Carlos Alexander Osorto, Villegas was detained at a bus stop by armed federal agents, who allegedly identified themselves only after seizing the men. The lawsuit filed on their behalf challenges the constitutionality of such immigration raids.
Implications of the Lawsuit
The case, previously titled Vázquez Perdomo v. Noem, aims to address the legality of these operations. It garnered significant attention, leading to a favorable ruling from a district court which established that federal agents conducted operations without reasonable suspicion. However, this ruling was complicated by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows ICE agents to continue street raids, raising concerns about racial profiling impacting immigrant communities.
Community Response and Advocacy
As Villegas’s hearing approaches, Tolchin fears that the recent criminal episode may be a strategic maneuver by ICE to influence the outcome of his impending immigration court appearance. Advocates, including Mohamed Tajsar from the ACLU, argue that the arrests are a direct response to Villegas’s decision to confront federal authority, framing them as acts of intimidation against those who speak out against injustices.
Community leaders echo these sentiments, emphasizing Villegas’s positive role in the local immigrant community. Jose Madera, director of the Pasadena Community Job Center, highlighted the impact of his arrest, stating, “He was known for his big smile and community involvement. Now that is taken away from us.”
