Pasadena Day Laborer’s Detention Spurs Federal Hearing on Immigrant Access to Counsel

A federal judge in Los Angeles heard arguments Thursday on whether to make permanent a temporary restraining order requiring timely legal access for immigrants detained at a downtown ICE processing center—an issue that gained urgency after a Pasadena day laborer was allegedly held for weeks without counsel following a June arrest.

U.S. District Judge Maame E. Frimpong, who issued the temporary restraining order (TRO) in July, provided a tentative ruling to attorneys for both sides before the hearing began. Comments made during the proceeding indicated she was leaning toward extending the order, though she did not issue a final decision and is expected to rule in writing at a later date.

The order mandates that detainees held in the basement facility known as B-18 inside the federal building be granted access to attorneys under the Fifth Amendment right to counsel. Frimpong noted Thursday that “there were still violations” after the TRO was issued, adding that any future injunction would address the “future.”

Pedro Vasquez Perdomo, 54, a Pasadena resident and lead plaintiff in the case, says he was arrested by masked men with guns while waiting to be picked up for a construction job at a Metro bus stop in front of a Winchell’s Donuts on June 18. He alleges he was detained for three weeks at B-18, much of that time without legal access. He has since been released on bond.

The lawsuit, filed in July in Los Angeles federal court, accuses the U.S. Department of Homeland Security of conducting unlawful stops and warrantless arrests during immigration raids, then confining individuals in substandard conditions while obstructing contact with attorneys. Plaintiffs include Southern California residents, workers and advocacy groups.

Attorney Mark Rosenbaum, representing the plaintiffs, argued Thursday that B-18—originally designed for short-term processing—was repurposed into a long-term detention site during summer immigration sweeps. The facility lacks beds, showers and medical services, and Rosenbaum said detainees’ contact with the outside world was deliberately blocked.

“There should not be partial compliance,” Rosenbaum said. “There should be full compliance.”

Government attorney Jonathan Ross countered that conditions at B-18 have since “normalized” and that detainees are receiving required access to counsel. “The court should not be ordering the government to do what it is already doing,” Ross said, adding that “the record shows plaintiffs are receiving what’s required.”

The judge’s temporary restraining order remains in effect and was not appealed or stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court. However, a separate July order barring immigration arrests based on race or language was lifted by the high court.

Plaintiffs said Thursday’s hearing marks progress in their case. Earlier this week, Frimpong approved expedited discovery on claims related to “roving patrols,” allowing attorneys to collect evidence—including documents, data and depositions—on alleged racial profiling and unlawful detentions. According to plaintiff attorneys, it is the first immigration raids case under Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to enter discovery.

Frimpong’s orders apply to Los Angeles and six surrounding counties, including areas where Pasadena residents may be affected.