NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsJuly 29, 2026United States
Court evidence reveals federal immigration agents used racial slurs during Los Angeles raids
Newly released court documents, including body-camera footage and text messages, show federal immigration agents using racial slurs and discussing targeting individuals based on their Hispanic ethnicity during 2025 operations in Southern California. These findings are part of an ongoing lawsuit alleging systemic racial profiling by immigration officials.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
The evidence directly challenges federal claims that immigration enforcement operations are not based on racial profiling, potentially impacting the outcome of a lawsuit seeking to block such practices.
Key Facts
- Court filings reveal federal agents used racial slurs such as 'wets' and 'tonks' to describe Hispanic and Latino individuals during 2025 operations.
- Body-camera footage captured an agent stating they would target individuals based on seeing 'tonks'.
- An immigration official acknowledged in a deposition that Hispanic ethnicity may increase the likelihood of an individual being targeted for arrest.
- Plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to block immigration officials from engaging in racial profiling.
- The evidence was obtained through expedited discovery granted by U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong.
- A previous temporary restraining order against race-based arrests was stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Justice Brett Kavanaugh's opinion stated federal law allows brief detention based on 'reasonable suspicion' of illegal status.
- Attorneys are currently awaiting a ruling on whether agents must surrender personal devices for evidence discovery.
- The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on whether the agents involved in the recorded incidents have faced disciplinary action.
Who's Mentioned
otherOperation at Large“The federal immigration enforcement operation conducted in the summer of 2025.”organizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement.”personMaame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong“U.S. District Judge presiding over the racial profiling lawsuit.”personBrett Kavanaugh“U.S. Supreme Court Justice who authored an opinion regarding detention standards”personAnnie Lai“Staff attorney with the ACLU and co-counsel for the plaintiffs.”organizationAmerican Civil Liberties Union“Organization representing plaintiffs in the racial profiling case.”