San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies this summer pulled over an undocumented married couple and contacted Border Patrol, who took them into custody.
Now, the family has filed a claim with San Diego County, arguing the June traffic stop violated their constitutional and civil rights. They’re seeking $2 million in damages for separating family members and causing undue hardship. The claim is a precursor to a lawsuit. The county has 45 days to evaluate it and respond.
Sheriff’s Department policy prohibits deputies from stopping, detaining or questioning people to enforce immigration law. The department acknowledges deputies stopped the vehicle and contacted Border Patrol, but maintains they did not violate department policy because Border Patrol independently made the decision to dispatch agents to the scene.
If accurate, it would mean federal agents could monitor information requests from local officers, and spring into action whenever there could be an immigration violation.