Today, the ACLU of Nevada initiated legal action against the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) for not releasing public records about its collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. This lawsuit aims to obtain documents related to LVMPD's "foreign born" booking policy and its 287(g) agreement with ICE.
In January 2025, following the Laken Riley Act, LVMPD implemented a policy expanding charges reported to ICE when a "foreign born" individual is booked, regardless of their immigration status. This has raised concerns about potential wrongful detention of U.S. citizens and documented individuals by ICE. Shortly after denying cooperation intentions with ICE, LVMPD signed a formal 287(g) agreement, allowing officers to execute civil immigration warrants and detain individuals beyond their release times.
The ACLU of Nevada submitted requests for public records on January 22 and June 4, 2025, seeking information on this policy change and the 287(g) agreement. Despite obligations under the Nevada Public Records Act (NPRA), LVMPD has not provided the requested documents. The lack of disclosure raises concerns about LVMPD's involvement with ICE.
The ACLU of Nevada and other advocacy groups have expressed worries about cooperation with ICE, stating that LVMPD’s policy could unjustly target naturalized citizens. The organization argues that public records are crucial for understanding government actions versus statements.
Athar Haseebullah, executive director of ACLU of Nevada, stated: “Nevadans have the right to know what their local police agencies are doing when it comes to cooperation with ICE... We will now pursue these records in court because Nevadans deserve government transparency.”
Sadmira Ramic, senior staff attorney at ACLU of Nevada, commented: “The Nevada Public Records Act exists to ensure that government agencies... are open and transparent... These delays are not just unlawful; they’re dangerous.”