Featured Stories
NEU Secures From Government Full Funding for Teacher Pay Offer
LONDON, England, Sept. 17 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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NEU secures from Government full funding for teacher pay offer
Published: 16/09/2026
The NEU has secured through negotiations with the Secretary of State for Education a fully funded pay increase for all teachers throughout England. This is a significant step. In a letter to the General Secretary of the NEU Lucy Powell outlined her proposals for funding alongside a willingness to address issues around accountability, workload, and well-being.
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National
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LONDON, England, Sept. 17 -- The National Education Union issued the following news release:
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NEU secures from Government full funding for teacher pay offer
Published: 16/09/2026
The NEU has secured through negotiations with the Secretary of State for Education a fully funded pay increase for all teachers throughout England. This is a significant step. In a letter to the General Secretary of the NEU Lucy Powell outlined her proposals for funding alongside a willingness to address issues around accountability, workload, and well-being.
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the NationalEducation Union, said:
"Finally, we have a government that accepts the reality that any teacher pay award must be fully funded. Plugging the pound sterling460 million black hole in school budgets signals a welcome return to reality, and a message of hope for the entire school community.
"Be in no doubt that the significant ground conceded by government is a consequence of NEU members' willingness to take a stand. It not only includes those who voted in our indicative ballot, but everyone who has campaigned against School Cuts and fought the effects of austerity in our classrooms.
"Schools have been running on empty for far too long. Leaders simply could not afford to fund the pay award as set out by the previous education secretary. The new administration has accepted that it is wrong to force schools to make cuts to education just to make ends meet.
"There is still much to do. Seventy-four per cent of schools have less money in real terms than they did in 2010, badly impacting upon the educational experience children receive. Likewise, experienced teachers have seen their pay cut by 23 per cent in real terms since 2010, contributing to the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis. Government must now enter into discussions on a long-term solution to school funding and pay.
"We hope to work with this government to ensure that education is truly valued in this country. We hope today marks an important turning point, and one we as a union will aim to build from. We must make austerity in the classroom a thing of the past.
"In light of this news the NEU Executive will discuss our response on the 24 September".
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Original text here: https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/neu-secures-government-full-funding-teacher-pay-offer?_locale=en
[Category: Union]
Kemps Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Kemps Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract
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(FARMINGTON, Minn.) - More than 110 members of Teamsters Local 471 at Kemps in Farmington, Minn., have overwhelmingly ratified a new two-year agreement that delivers improvements on wages, workplace protections, a two percent reduction for their health care cap, and other benefits.
Kemps, a subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), is a key part of DFA's Midwest dairy operation. Teamsters at the Farmington facility produce
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Kemps Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract
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(FARMINGTON, Minn.) - More than 110 members of Teamsters Local 471 at Kemps in Farmington, Minn., have overwhelmingly ratified a new two-year agreement that delivers improvements on wages, workplace protections, a two percent reduction for their health care cap, and other benefits.
Kemps, a subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), is a key part of DFA's Midwest dairy operation. Teamsters at the Farmington facility produceand package popular products like Top the Tater and Kemps cottage cheese.
"This agreement is proof that when workers stay engaged and stick together, they can raise standards for themselves and their families," said Lyndon Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 471. "Our members remained focused throughout bargaining and secured meaningful improvements that reflect the value they bring to this company every single day. I'm proud to say that they earned everything in this new contract."
In addition to better wages and health care, Teamsters secured a two percent increase in contributions to the Central States Pension Fund. Workers also won a 400 percent increase in the night shift differential, the extra pay provided to employees for hours worked on overnight shifts. More than 70 percent of the bargaining unit will benefit from the increase.
"This contract addresses the issues we identified as priorities from the start of bargaining," said Ryan Just, a worker at Kemps and steward with Local 471. "We stayed united, focused on what mattered most, and got a contract that will make a real difference for us and our families. We're proud of what we accomplished together."
Teamsters Local 471 represents workers throughout Minnesota across industries, including dairy processing, warehousing, and distribution. For more information, go to local471.com.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/09/kemps-teamsters-ratify-strong-contract/
Teamsters at Frontier Ratify Strong Five-Year Agreement
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters at Frontier Ratify Strong Five-Year Agreement
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Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(WASHINGTON) - Teamsters mechanics at Frontier Airlines have voted by 93 percent to ratify a new five-year collective bargaining agreement that delivers significant improvements in wages, retirement security, and other benefits.
The contract provides substantial wage increases over the life of the contract, enhanced employer
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters at Frontier Ratify Strong Five-Year Agreement
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Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(WASHINGTON) - Teamsters mechanics at Frontier Airlines have voted by 93 percent to ratify a new five-year collective bargaining agreement that delivers significant improvements in wages, retirement security, and other benefits.
The contract provides substantial wage increases over the life of the contract, enhanced employerpension contributions, and seniority-based ratification bonuses for the group of nearly 500 Teamsters mechanics. The agreement also increases license premiums and adds a week of vacation time at 15 years of service.
"Teamsters at Frontier perform highly skilled, essential work that keeps this airline running every day," said Dave Saucedo, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. "This agreement recognizes the value they bring to the job and delivers meaningful gains that will improve the lives of these workers and their families for years to come."
Mechanics at Frontier are represented by Teamsters Locals 19, 104, 455, 769, and 986.
"Our members made clear throughout this process what they wanted to see in a new contract, and we stayed focused on securing those priorities at the bargaining table," said Don Ramsey, lead negotiator and business agent for Teamsters Local 455. "This agreement delivers real improvements in wages and benefits while rewarding the years of service our members have given and will give to Frontier. We're proud to have secured a strong contract that recognizes their hard work and dedication."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/09/teamsters-at-frontier-ratify-strong-five-year-agreement/
San Diego Zoo Registrars Join Teamsters
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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San Diego Zoo Registrars Join Teamsters
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Press Contact: Erin Borgardt Phone: (619) 300-3789 Email: eborgardt@teamsters481.org
(SAN DIEGO)- Registrars at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) have voted to join Teamsters Local 481, becoming the second group of workers at SDZWA to organize with the union this year.
Local 481 represents approximately 1,800 workers at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, from retail and concessions to wildlife care specialists and
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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San Diego Zoo Registrars Join Teamsters
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Press Contact: Erin Borgardt Phone: (619) 300-3789 Email: eborgardt@teamsters481.org
(SAN DIEGO)- Registrars at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) have voted to join Teamsters Local 481, becoming the second group of workers at SDZWA to organize with the union this year.
Local 481 represents approximately 1,800 workers at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, from retail and concessions to wildlife care specialists andhorticulturalists. In June, veterinarian technicians joined their colleagues and organized with Local 481.
"We joined the Teamsters because we've seen firsthand the benefits that union representation brings to other employees at SDZWA," said Jeremy Hodges, a registrar at SDZWA and new member of Local 481. "As registrars, we're proud of the specialized work we do, and we want to make sure our compensation, benefits, and voice in the workplace reflect the value of that work."
Registrars manage the zoo's wildlife collection record-keeping systems, regulatory compliance, and animal transaction tracking. The group began organizing earlier this year after meeting with SDZWA Teamsters stewards about their 2025 contract campaign, which caught the attention of the San Diego community and nonunion zoo workers.
"We're proud to welcome the registrars to the Teamsters," said Erin Borgardt, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 481. "The momentum is building at SDZWA as more workers recognize the power of standing together. We look forward to welcoming more workers into our union and fighting for one strong contract."
Teamsters Local 481 represents 4,000 members across the San Diego area in building supply, automotive, UPS, and at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. For more information, visit teamsters481.org.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/09/san-diego-zoo-registrars-join-teamsters/
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Ohio Rep. Dave Joyce for Reelection and Don Leonard for Election to Congress
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Ohio Rep. Dave Joyce for Reelection and Don Leonard for Election to Congress
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AFGE says Joyce and Leonard will fight for federal employees and all working families
INDIANAPOLIS -The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsements of Rep. Dave Joyce for reelection to Congress representing Ohio's 14th Congressional District and Don Leonard for election to Congress representing Ohio's 15th
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Ohio Rep. Dave Joyce for Reelection and Don Leonard for Election to Congress
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AFGE says Joyce and Leonard will fight for federal employees and all working families
INDIANAPOLIS -The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsements of Rep. Dave Joyce for reelection to Congress representing Ohio's 14th Congressional District and Don Leonard for election to Congress representing Ohio's 15thCongressional District. The general election is Nov. 3.
Rep. Dave Joyce serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, which funds many of the agencies that employ the federal workforce, including the Office of Personnel Management. He was one of 20 House Republicans who voted for the Protect America's Workforce Act (HR 2550), which would rescind President Trump's March 2025 executive order banning collective bargaining for most of the federal workforce.
Joyce has built a reputation as one of the most bipartisan members of the Ohio delegation, teaming with Rep. Shontel Brown on the Commission on the American Workforce Act and leading bipartisan efforts through the House Great Lakes Task Force to protect a region home to thousands of federal workers at agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Don Leonard was raised by a single mother who sometimes struggled to make ends meet, and the family experienced homelessness during the 1993 recession. When Leonard shattered his wrist in a childhood bike accident, Medicaid covered the surgery. With the help of government safety nets, devoted public school teachers, and student loans, Leonard graduated from college magna cum laude, served in the Peace Corps in South America, and earned a Ph.D. in government from Cornell University.
For the past decade, Leonard has taught city and regional planning at Ohio State University, preparing his students to pursue their own dreams.
"Dave Joyce and Don Leonard both understand that federal workers deserve advocates in Washington who will actually listen to them," said AFGE District 6 National Vice President Arnold Scott. "Congressman Joyce has shown he can work across the aisle to fund the agencies our members rely on, and I've been impressed with the way Don is engaging our membership. He's made time on multiple occasions to hear directly from AFGE members about the hardships they're facing under this administration. And by refusing corporate PAC money, he's made clear he'll work for his constituents - not corporations. AFGE is proud to stand behind both of them."
AFGE previously announced other endorsements in the state, including Dr. Amy Acton for Ohio governor, former Sen. Sherrod Brown for reelection to the seat he held from 2007 to 2025, Brian Poindexter for election to the U.S. House representing Ohio's 7th Congressional District, and six incumbents for reelection to their seats in the U.S. House.
More than 56,000 federal employees live in Ohio - caring for veterans, supporting the military, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE represents nearly 47,000 federal employees in District 6, which includes Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/c7552f6aa9d745b6956f56012d4d8645.aspx
Court Pauses USDA Employee Relocations Following Lawsuit Challenging Illegal Reorganization
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 [Category: Union] -- The National Federation of Federal Employees issued the following news release:
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Court Pauses USDA Employee Relocations Following Lawsuit Challenging Illegal Reorganization
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Last week, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pause the forced relocation of employees after NFFE and three other unions representing USDA workers filed a lawsuit challenging the agency's unlawful reorganization directives.
The four unions - along with nonprofits, cities, and counties across the country - filed the lawsuit on September 8th, claiming
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 [Category: Union] -- The National Federation of Federal Employees issued the following news release:
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Court Pauses USDA Employee Relocations Following Lawsuit Challenging Illegal Reorganization
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Last week, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pause the forced relocation of employees after NFFE and three other unions representing USDA workers filed a lawsuit challenging the agency's unlawful reorganization directives.
The four unions - along with nonprofits, cities, and counties across the country - filed the lawsuit on September 8th, claimingthe USDA is expressly prohibited from implementing the broad reorganization without explicit congressional approval.
Two days later, the Northern District of California's Judge Chhabria said he would be ordering the agency to pause the relocations of many workers until October 2, with a hearing on the lawsuit scheduled for September 29.
"The critical work of the USDA, along with the thousands of U.S. Forest Service workers NFFE represents, must be protected from this harmful reorganization," said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. "Thank you to Judge Chhabria for quickly pausing the relocation of employees until the court can fully adjudicate these illegal and reckless plans."
"NFFE specifically advocated for language in FY 2026 appropriations to prohibit sweeping reorganizations like this one," continued Erwin. "Congress must step in, do their jobs, and ensure the agency follows the laws they passed to protect the USDA and Forest Service from being completely dismantled."
Unfortunately, relocations of employees in the National Capital Region to another duty station within the commuting area were carved out from the lawsuit because the impact from those moves would not have amounted to irreparable harm in the eyes of the court.
"The NFFE Forest Service council is glad to see Judge Chhabria is temporarily halting the relocations of critical employees," said NFFE-FSC President Genny Koytk. "Their work is not only essential to the agency and the communities they serve, but also mandated by Congress. This reorganization is a RIF in disguise, downsizing without giving employees the decency of the protections and benefits ensured in our Master Agreement. The Forest Service Council will continue to negotiate with agency leadership and strongly opposes the relocations of our members."
The NFFE Forest Service Council is currently in negotiations with management over the many changes associated with the dismantling of the Forest Service. NFFE members who are interested in having their input included in those negotiations should contact their local steward or visit the NFFE-FSC website for more info.
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Original text here: https://www.nffe.org/nffe_news/court-pauses-usda-employee-relocations-following-lawsuit-challenging-illegal-reorganization/
Breaking: Federal Court Blocks Unlawful Warrantless Immigration Arrests in Southern California
KEENE, California, Sept. 16 [Category: Union] -- The United Farm Workers issued the following news release:
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Breaking: Federal Court Blocks Unlawful Warrantless Immigration Arrests in Southern California
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Ruling requires federal agents to assess escape risk before making a warrantless arrest and also certifies case as class action
LOS ANGELES - A federal court granted a preliminary injunction in Vasquez Perdomo v. Mullin that blocks the Trump administration from continuing its unlawful practice of conducting warrantless arrests without first determining whether a person is likely to
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KEENE, California, Sept. 16 [Category: Union] -- The United Farm Workers issued the following news release:
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Breaking: Federal Court Blocks Unlawful Warrantless Immigration Arrests in Southern California
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Ruling requires federal agents to assess escape risk before making a warrantless arrest and also certifies case as class action
LOS ANGELES - A federal court granted a preliminary injunction in Vasquez Perdomo v. Mullin that blocks the Trump administration from continuing its unlawful practice of conducting warrantless arrests without first determining whether a person is likely toescape before a warrant can be obtained. The court also certified a class of individuals who, since June 6, 2025, have been or will be arrested by federal agents for alleged immigration violations, without a warrant, and without an individualized escape risk assessment.
"This ruling is one of the most important decisions to date in the community's effort to end the federal government's cruel and illegal practice of abducting people and separating them from their families," said Mayra Joachin, senior staff attorney at the ACLU Foundation of Southern California. "By requiring immigration agents to follow the law's requirement to make escape risk determinations before they can arrest someone without a warrant, this court order should put an end to hundreds-if not more-of unlawful arrests that continue throughout Southern California. We will closely monitor compliance with this court order, and expect the federal government to abide by it."
In its order, the court found federal immigration agents are "regularly abstaining from conducting a likelihood of escape analysis at all." Further, the court notes "plaintiffs have demonstrated that the policy is ongoing" and that the testimony by DHS's own agents support the conclusion that it was due to this illegal warrantless arrest policy and not "isolated instances of agents going rogue."
"The Trump administration jettisoned federal law in order to achieve its goal of mass deportation at any cost, disappearing Angeleno community members in a matter of moments as they go about their daily lives. Thanks in part to the sworn testimony of dozens of plaintiffs and class members who came forward to speak out about their unlawful arrests, the court rightfully recognized that DHS is violating the law as a matter of policy. We will continue fighting alongside our plaintiffs, workers and immigrant communities to ensure that everyone can go about their daily lives without fear of being arbitrarily stopped or arrested," said Lauren Michel Wilfong, National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) staff attorney.
"Over a year ago, farm workers across Southern California endured weeks of horrific attacks targeting them because of the color of their skin. This decision reaffirms that these illegal, racist raids targeting working class people should have never happened," said United Farm Workers President Teresa Romero. "This recognition is accompanied by important legal restraints on the Trump administration's ability to terrorize California's immigrant workers. From downtown Los Angeles to the fields of Oxnard and Coachella, this ruling will make every worker safer."
Under federal law, immigration agents may make a warrantless civil immigration arrest only when they have probable cause to believe both that a person is undocumented and that the person is likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained. In addition to stopping the unlawful practice of conducting warrantless arrests without first determining whether a person is likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained, the court orders the federal government to comply with the following conditions:
* immigration agents must consider totality of circumstances known to agent before making the arrest, including escape risk
* agents must stop relying on the escape risk standard or analytical approach set forth in the five-page memorandum from former acting director of ICE, Todd Lyons, issued in January 2026, which illegally suggested that merely being undocumented was sufficient as a likelihood of escape
* Agents must document their analysis of escape risk when conducting warrantless arrests in the Central District.
"Every worker deserves to go to work with dignity and without fear of being unlawfully detained," said Armando Gudino, executive director of the Los Angeles Worker Center Network. "No one should have their safety or basic rights threatened simply because of where they work, the language they speak or what they look like. This ruling is an important step toward restoring that fundamental sense of security for all workers, especially immigrant workers across our various communities."
Evidence obtained in the case showed that of a sample of 113 arrest records produced by the government in discovery, nearly 80 percent either contained no escape-risk assessment at all or relied largely on boilerplate language. Immigration authorities confirmed in sworn testimony that their practice is not to arrest individuals without independently assessing their risk of escape. As a consequence, agents routinely fail to ask people about factors relevant to whether they can be arrested, including their jobs, families, homes and other community ties.
"Today, the community feels more protected with the court's order that DHS' warrantless arrests likely violate federal law. This gives them breathing room to go about their daily lives, providing for their families while continuing to demonstrate such incredible resilience in the face of the Trump administration's ongoing attacks. We know this is but one step in the pursuit of justice, but for today, we have prevailed," said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), a plaintiff.
The lawsuit was originally brought by five individual Latino workers and three membership organizations-CHIRLA, LAWCN and UFW-as well as Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef), a legal services provider.
"It's an honor to stand with our plaintiffs and co-counsel who are leading the fight to end the government's lawless campaign of immigration raids in the courts and on the streets," said Annie Lai, director of the Immigrant and Racial Justice Solidarity Clinic at the UC Irvine School of Law. "That fight is as urgent as ever. Even as we celebrate this court order and the courage of all those who are willing to hold the government accountable, we know there is much hard work ahead."
The plaintiffs are represented by the ACLU SoCal; Public Counsel; Law Offices of Stacy Tolchin; UC Irvine School of Law Immigrant and Racial Justice Solidarity Clinic; NDLON; Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP; ACLU Foundations of Northern California and San Diego & Imperial Counties; Hecker Fink LLP; Martinez Aguilasocho Law, Inc; CHIRLA and ImmDef. Read the order: https://www.aclusocal.org/app/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-02-738-Amended-Order-Granting-in-Part-Plaintiffs-Motion-for-Preliminary-Injunction-Re-Warantless-Arrests-and-Granting-Intervenors-Joinder.pdf
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Original text here: https://ufw.org/breaking-federal-court-blocks-unlawful-warrantless-immigration-arrests-in-southern-california/
