ACLU challenges Metro police on immigration records transparency
The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada has taken legal action against the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department over transparency concerns related to immigration enforcement policies at the Clark County Detention Center.
Lawsuit seeks public records disclosure
The civil rights organization filed suit Wednesday in Clark County District Court, seeking a court order to compel LVMPD to release documents about its cooperation with federal immigration authorities. At the center of the dispute are records related to Metro’s “foreign born” booking policy and its 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The ACLU submitted public records requests on January 22 and June 4, seeking clarity about these policies. Despite Nevada Public Records Act requirements, the organization says Metro has failed to provide any requested documents.
Policy changes raise concerns
The controversy stems from changes implemented this year. In January, following passage of the Laken Riley Act, Metro expanded the list of charges that must be reported to ICE when booking individuals classified as “foreign born” at the detention center. This classification applies regardless of immigration status.
Later, Metro signed a formal 287(g) agreement with ICE. This voluntary federal program authorizes local officers to serve civil immigration warrants and detain individuals up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release dates for immigration purposes.
Sheriff defends cooperation
Sheriff Kevin McMahill has defended the department’s collaboration with federal authorities, citing public safety concerns. In a June interview, McMahill pointed to cases where serious offenders were released before ICE could take custody.
“We had child pornographers being released; folks that had shot people being released,” McMahill stated, explaining the policy shift as necessary for handling individuals who committed serious offenses while in the country illegally.
Legal battle ahead
ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Athar Haseebullah characterized the 287(g) agreement as “legally questionable” and contradictory to previous public assurances that Metro would not detain people on behalf of federal authorities.
“Nevadans have the right to know what their local police agencies are doing when it comes to cooperation with ICE,” Haseebullah said. “We will see LVMPD in court.”
The lawsuit requests an injunction ordering Metro to release all requested documents and seeks civil penalties for alleged violations of Nevada’s public records law. Metro has not publicly responded to the litigation.
Image Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/aclu-sues-las-vegas-metro-013813142.html
Category: Politics
Subcategory: Law Enforcement
Date: 07/10/2025
