Homeland Security and IRS Pay over $1 Million to Settle Lawsuit over Immigration Raid

Back in 2018, ICE conducted a raid at a Tennessee meat packing plant, which was the largest workplace immigration raid in nearly a decade.  A lawsuit was filed following the raid at the Southeastern Provision facility in Bean Station, Tennessee, contending that the raid illegally targeted Latino workers, arguing that immigration officials used race as a proxy for immigration status and violated the workers' Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and equal protection.  The case was brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act alleging, among other things, false imprisonment and false arrest.  The case was ultimately settled for $1.17 million, and Homeland Security agreed to grant immigration relief to the six named plaintiffs in the case, including canceling removal orders.  Zelaye v. Miles, No. 3:19-cv-0062 (E.D. Tenn. 10/19/22). 

This article is part of our April 2023 Newsletter.

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