Immigration lawsuit plaintiff arrested twice in retaliation, released after court intervention
Apr 24, 2026·Location: Pasadena, CA
Country of origin: Panama

Isaac Villegas Molina, a Pasadena resident and lead plaintiff in federal litigation challenging ICE enforcement operations, was arrested by federal agents on June 18, 2025, at a bus stop along with two other day laborers. He was released on bond in July 2025. On April 17, 2026, Villegas was arrested again by ICE during an appointment with the Alternatives to Detention-Intensive Supervision Appearance Program. His lawyer filed a habeas petition alleging the arrest was unlawful, without a warrant, and retaliatory given his pending removal case hearing. Following the arrest, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order. Villegas was released from Adelanto Detention Center after community outcry and advocacy from supporters including local elected leaders and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON).
Timeline
Sources
- Pasadena man, plaintiff in key immigration case, arrested by ICE; Supporters demand release, alleging retaliation
pasadenastarnews.com·Apr 18, 2026·archived copy
dailynews.com·Apr 18, 2026·archived copy
- Pasadena Day Laborer’s Detention Spurs Federal Hearing on Immigrant Access to Counsel – Pasadena Now
- Pasadena, LA, Baldwin Park plaintiffs allege local immigration raids target Latinos
pasadenastarnews.com·Feb 27, 2026·archived copy
- From a Pasadena bustop to a federal detention center; an ICE detainee comes home again
pasadenastarnews.com·Apr 25, 2026·archived copy
- Judge orders swift release of Pasadena man, lead plaintiff in ICE raids lawsuit
pasadenastarnews.com·Apr 24, 2026·archived copy
- Pasadena man part of lawsuit challenging ICE raids released from custody
abc7.com·Apr 26, 2026·archived copy
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