Thursday, February 5, 2026-A federal judge in Oregon has issued a decisive ruling that sharply limits the ability of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to conduct warrantless arrests across the state.
U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai granted a preliminary injunction in a class-action lawsuit, determining that ICE must secure a judicial warrant before arresting someone unless there is clear evidence the individual is likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained. The order directly challenges enforcement practices long criticized by civil rights advocates and will remain in effect as the case moves forward.
The lawsuit highlighted multiple instances in which individuals were detained without warrants or proof they posed a flight risk. Testimony included accounts of long-time residents with valid work authorization being held for weeks despite documentation that should have prevented detention.
Judge Kasubhai cited evidence of aggressive enforcement tactics, including the use of firearms during civil immigration arrests, and emphasized that constitutional due process protections must be upheld regardless of immigration status.
The ruling has immediate consequences for federal immigration enforcement across Oregon, potentially curbing broad arrest operations that sweep up individuals who are not attempting to flee.
Legal experts say the injunction reinforces protections against unreasonable seizures and forces ICE to more strictly follow warrant requirements. The decision could also influence similar cases nationwide, depending on whether federal authorities choose to appeal or adjust enforcement practices in response.
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