Did DHS violate the Fourth Amendment with warrantless immigration raids on Alabama construction sites?
A U.S. citizen construction worker in Alabama was detained by ICE three times despite showing a valid REAL ID each time. His lawsuit challenges DHS's warrantless site raids, and a federal judge temporarily blocked the practices in September 2026.
BackgroundWhat does the Fourth Amendment protect?
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
This case classifies reactions to DHS's construction-site enforcement practices: entering private job sites without a warrant or consent, detaining workers without individualized suspicion that any particular person is undocumented, and continuing to hold people after they produce citizenship evidence. Leo Garcia Venegas, a U.S. citizen, was detained under these practices three times despite carrying a valid REAL ID each time, and a federal judge found he is likely to succeed in showing the practices are unlawful. A statement is classified by whether the speaker defends or excuses DHS's construction-site practices as lawful and justified, or condemns them as unconstitutional profiling and overreach.
Background: What does the Fourth Amendment protect?
People in this case
Tricia McLaughlinDirectly involved
Timeline
14 timeline entries on this page. Dates: May 21, 2025 to October 13, 2026
May 2025
First detention: ICE agents raid Foley construction site, detain Venegas despite REAL ID
Incident
Masked federal immigration agents entered a private construction site in Foley, Alabama without a warrant. After Venegas recorded agents restraining his brother, officers detained and handcuffed Venegas, rejecting his valid Alabama REAL ID as fraudulent and holding him for over an hour before verifying his citizenship through Social Security records.
[01]Reason Magazine
Source excerpt
Officers retrieved his REAL ID from his pocket but claimed it was fraudulent, keeping him handcuffed for over an hour in summer heat before verifying his status through social security records.
Reason.com's original report on the lawsuit filing, detailing the May 21 and June 12, 2025 detentions and the specific DHS practices challenged.
ICE arrested a U.S. citizen—twice—during Alabama construction site raids. Now he's suing. · Reason Magazinefull article[02]Institute for Justice
Source excerpt
Armed and masked federal officers are raiding private construction sites in Alabama, detaining whoever they think looks undocumented
Institute for Justice's own press release announcing the filing of Venegas v. Homan, with details of the two pre-filing detentions and quotes from Venegas and IJ attorney Jared McClain.
U.S. Citizen's Lawsuit Demands an End to Unconstitutional Raids and Detentions at Alabama Construction Sites · Institute for Justicefull press release
June 2025
Second detention: ICE agents corner Venegas at a residential construction site
Incident
About three weeks after the first incident, ICE agents entered a private residential construction site roughly 20 miles from the first, cornered Venegas inside a partially built home, again disputed the validity of his REAL ID, and detained him alongside two other U.S. citizens for 20 to 30 minutes before releasing him.
[01]Reason Magazine
Source excerpt
Officers retrieved his REAL ID from his pocket but claimed it was fraudulent, keeping him handcuffed for over an hour in summer heat before verifying his status through social security records.
Reason.com's original report on the lawsuit filing, detailing the May 21 and June 12, 2025 detentions and the specific DHS practices challenged.
ICE arrested a U.S. citizen—twice—during Alabama construction site raids. Now he's suing. · Reason Magazinefull article[02]Institute for Justice
Source excerpt
Armed and masked federal officers are raiding private construction sites in Alabama, detaining whoever they think looks undocumented
Institute for Justice's own press release announcing the filing of Venegas v. Homan, with details of the two pre-filing detentions and quotes from Venegas and IJ attorney Jared McClain.
U.S. Citizen's Lawsuit Demands an End to Unconstitutional Raids and Detentions at Alabama Construction Sites · Institute for Justicefull press release
September 2025
Venegas and the Institute for Justice file class-action lawsuit against DHS
Claim
Leo Garcia Venegas, represented by the Institute for Justice, filed a federal class-action lawsuit, Venegas v. Homan (1:25-cv-00397, S.D. Ala.), against DHS, ICE, DOJ, and named officials including Tom Homan, Kristi Noem, and Pamela Bondi. The suit sought to stop DHS from entering private construction sites without a warrant, preemptively detaining workers without individualized suspicion, and continuing to detain workers after they produce citizenship evidence.
[01]Reason Magazine
Source excerpt
Officers retrieved his REAL ID from his pocket but claimed it was fraudulent, keeping him handcuffed for over an hour in summer heat before verifying his status through social security records.
Reason.com's original report on the lawsuit filing, detailing the May 21 and June 12, 2025 detentions and the specific DHS practices challenged.
ICE arrested a U.S. citizen—twice—during Alabama construction site raids. Now he's suing. · Reason Magazinefull article[02]Institute for Justice
Source excerpt
Armed and masked federal officers are raiding private construction sites in Alabama, detaining whoever they think looks undocumented
Institute for Justice's own press release announcing the filing of Venegas v. Homan, with details of the two pre-filing detentions and quotes from Venegas and IJ attorney Jared McClain.
U.S. Citizen's Lawsuit Demands an End to Unconstitutional Raids and Detentions at Alabama Construction Sites · Institute for Justicefull press release[03]Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docket
CourtListener/RECAP docket for the federal case, confirming the case caption Venegas v. Homan, docket number 1:25-cv-00397, filing date of September 30, 2025, the presiding judge, and the full list of named defendants (Tom Homan, Kristi Noem, Pamela Bondi, DHS, DOJ, individual ICE agents, and the United States).
Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docketcase docket, filed 2025-09-30, Judge Jeffrey Uhlman Beaverstock presiding[04]Associated Press
Source excerpt
It feels like there is nothing I can do to stop immigration agents from arresting me whenever they want. I just want to work in peace.
AP wire story (PBS NewsHour reprint) with Venegas's own quote and IJ attorney Jaba Tsitsuashvili's statement, published the day the lawsuit was filed.
U.S. citizen wrongfully detained twice in Alabama workplace raids sues immigration authorities (AP/PBS NewsHour) · Associated Pressfull article
May 2026
Third detention: agents confront Venegas in his own driveway after he filed suit
Incident
After the lawsuit was already pending, immigration agents followed Venegas to his home and confronted him in his driveway. According to his declaration, agents pulled him from his car, tackled him to the ground, and handcuffed him without asking questions, again rejecting his REAL ID as proof of citizenship.
[05]Reason Magazine
Source excerpt
Agents confronted him after he parked in front of his own home, pulled him from his car, tackled him to the ground, and placed him in handcuffs without asking questions or issuing lawful commands.
Reason.com report on the May 2, 2026 third detention (after the lawsuit was filed) and the September 3, 2026 denial of the government's motion to dismiss, including DHS's standing, open-fields, and REAL ID reliability arguments.
This U.S. citizen is suing ICE for arresting him 3 times. His lawsuit is moving forward. · Reason Magazinefull article[06]Alabama Reflector
Source excerpt
agents do not treat REAL ID as reliable proof of legal presence
Alabama Reflector's report on the September 21 ruling, including detail from the May hearing testimony on DHS's REAL ID position and description of the May 2, 2026 driveway detention.
Federal judge orders ICE to halt 'likely illegal' policies in Baldwin County · Alabama Reflectorfull articleCourt finds standing to consider the injunction request
Chief Judge Jeffrey Beaverstock finds Article III standing and sets a hearing on the merits of the preliminary-injunction request. The standing ruling allows the request to proceed without deciding whether the challenged raids violated the Fourth Amendment.
[03]Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docket
CourtListener/RECAP docket for the federal case, confirming the case caption Venegas v. Homan, docket number 1:25-cv-00397, filing date of September 30, 2025, the presiding judge, and the full list of named defendants (Tom Homan, Kristi Noem, Pamela Bondi, DHS, DOJ, individual ICE agents, and the United States).
Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docketcase docket, filed 2025-09-30, Judge Jeffrey Uhlman Beaverstock presidingCourt hears the request to halt the challenged policies
The district court holds a preliminary-injunction hearing. It also denies the government's motion for a protective order in open court.
[03]Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docket
CourtListener/RECAP docket for the federal case, confirming the case caption Venegas v. Homan, docket number 1:25-cv-00397, filing date of September 30, 2025, the presiding judge, and the full list of named defendants (Tom Homan, Kristi Noem, Pamela Bondi, DHS, DOJ, individual ICE agents, and the United States).
Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docketcase docket, filed 2025-09-30, Judge Jeffrey Uhlman Beaverstock presiding
June 2026
Court allows limited discovery to identify unnamed officers
Magistrate Judge Katherine Nelson permits Venegas to serve one interrogatory and one document request to identify two fictitiously named officers. The order allows that limited discovery before the parties' Rule 26(f) conference.
[03]Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docket
CourtListener/RECAP docket for the federal case, confirming the case caption Venegas v. Homan, docket number 1:25-cv-00397, filing date of September 30, 2025, the presiding judge, and the full list of named defendants (Tom Homan, Kristi Noem, Pamela Bondi, DHS, DOJ, individual ICE agents, and the United States).
Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docketcase docket, filed 2025-09-30, Judge Jeffrey Uhlman Beaverstock presiding
July 2026
Court denies dismissal of the placeholder tort claims
The district court denies the United States' motion to dismiss Venegas' placeholder Federal Tort Claims Act claims. This order addresses those claims, separately from the challenge to the alleged immigration-enforcement policies.
[03]Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docket
CourtListener/RECAP docket for the federal case, confirming the case caption Venegas v. Homan, docket number 1:25-cv-00397, filing date of September 30, 2025, the presiding judge, and the full list of named defendants (Tom Homan, Kristi Noem, Pamela Bondi, DHS, DOJ, individual ICE agents, and the United States).
Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docketcase docket, filed 2025-09-30, Judge Jeffrey Uhlman Beaverstock presiding
September 2026
Court hears the class-certification and APA dismissal motions
The district court holds a hearing on Venegas' class-certification request and the federal defendants' motion to dismiss his Administrative Procedure Act claims.
[03]Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docket
CourtListener/RECAP docket for the federal case, confirming the case caption Venegas v. Homan, docket number 1:25-cv-00397, filing date of September 30, 2025, the presiding judge, and the full list of named defendants (Tom Homan, Kristi Noem, Pamela Bondi, DHS, DOJ, individual ICE agents, and the United States).
Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docketcase docket, filed 2025-09-30, Judge Jeffrey Uhlman Beaverstock presidingJudge denies DHS's motion to dismiss the case
Following a hearing in Mobile, Judge Jeffrey Beaverstock rejected the government's motion to dismiss. The government had argued Venegas lacked standing to challenge conditions at construction sites he did not own or control, and that REAL IDs are not reliable proof of citizenship despite federal law requiring states to verify citizenship before issuing them. The ruling allowed the case to proceed toward further litigation of the Fourth Amendment claims.
[05]Reason Magazine
Source excerpt
Agents confronted him after he parked in front of his own home, pulled him from his car, tackled him to the ground, and placed him in handcuffs without asking questions or issuing lawful commands.
Reason.com report on the May 2, 2026 third detention (after the lawsuit was filed) and the September 3, 2026 denial of the government's motion to dismiss, including DHS's standing, open-fields, and REAL ID reliability arguments.
This U.S. citizen is suing ICE for arresting him 3 times. His lawsuit is moving forward. · Reason Magazinefull article[07]Institute for Justice
Source excerpt
Americans cannot be stopped and held by law enforcement when they are doing nothing wrong. I'm glad my case is moving forward, and I hope it can make lasting change.
Institute for Justice press release on Judge Beaverstock's September 3, 2026 denial of the government's motion to dismiss, with quotes from Venegas and IJ senior attorney Jared McClain.
US Citizen and Construction Worker Wins First Round in His Lawsuit Over Repeated Unconstitutional Detentions · Institute for Justicefull press releaseJudge Beaverstock issues temporary stay blocking the three challenged DHS practices
Judge Beaverstock issued a temporary stay — short of the full preliminary injunction Venegas sought — blocking DHS from entering private construction sites without a warrant or consent, preemptively detaining workers without individualized suspicion, and continuing to detain people after they produce citizenship evidence. The order rejected the government's argument that construction sites are 'open fields' exempt from warrant requirements, finding that construction workers have a reasonable expectation of privacy at private worksites, particularly inside structures. The stay is temporary; the underlying litigation continues.
[08]Reason Magazine
Source excerpt
the nature of the worksite does not open the floodgates to warrantless government intrusion
Reason.com's report on Judge Beaverstock's September 21, 2026 temporary stay order, summarizing the three blocked practices and the government's rejected 'open field' and REAL ID arguments.
Judge blocks warrantless ICE construction site raids after agents in Alabama arrested a U.S. citizen 3 times · Reason Magazinefull article[06]Alabama Reflector
Source excerpt
agents do not treat REAL ID as reliable proof of legal presence
Alabama Reflector's report on the September 21 ruling, including detail from the May hearing testimony on DHS's REAL ID position and description of the May 2, 2026 driveway detention.
Federal judge orders ICE to halt 'likely illegal' policies in Baldwin County · Alabama Reflectorfull article[09]Courthouse News Service
Source excerpt
The court is not persuaded by the government's position that it never needs a warrant to enter a construction site.
Courthouse News Service report quoting Judge Beaverstock's order at length, including his rejection of the government's 'open field' theory and reasoning on REAL ID and standing.
Alabama judge freezes ICE construction site tactics after US citizen targeted · Courthouse News Servicefull articleIJ announces Venegas's administrative tort claims
Source release
The Institute for Justice said Venegas had submitted claims to federal agencies announcing his intent to sue under the Federal Tort Claims Act. It said those claims would be added to his lawsuit. The release did not give the submission date or say the additional damages claims had already been adjudicated.
[10]Federal Court Orders DHS to Stop Detaining People With Valid Identification and Halts Warrantless Construction Site Raids
Jared McClain welcomed the stay of DHS's construction-site practices as restoring the rule of law, rejecting warrantless entry, blanket detention and refusal to credit identification.
Federal Court Orders DHS to Stop Detaining People With Valid Identification and Halts Warrantless Construction Site RaidsDated release (September 21, 2026): quotations from Leo Garcia Venegas and Jared McClainCourt grants conditional class certification in part
A separate order grants Venegas' class-certification motion in part and conditionally certifies a class. It also denies the federal defendants' partial motion to dismiss the Administrative Procedure Act claims.
[03]Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docket
CourtListener/RECAP docket for the federal case, confirming the case caption Venegas v. Homan, docket number 1:25-cv-00397, filing date of September 30, 2025, the presiding judge, and the full list of named defendants (Tom Homan, Kristi Noem, Pamela Bondi, DHS, DOJ, individual ICE agents, and the United States).
Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docketcase docket, filed 2025-09-30, Judge Jeffrey Uhlman Beaverstock presiding
October 2026
Venegas files an amended complaint
The docket records an amended complaint after the court granted leave on October 9. The filing updates the pleading in the ongoing lawsuit; the docket entry does not itself decide the amended allegations.
[03]Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docket
CourtListener/RECAP docket for the federal case, confirming the case caption Venegas v. Homan, docket number 1:25-cv-00397, filing date of September 30, 2025, the presiding judge, and the full list of named defendants (Tom Homan, Kristi Noem, Pamela Bondi, DHS, DOJ, individual ICE agents, and the United States).
Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docketcase docket, filed 2025-09-30, Judge Jeffrey Uhlman Beaverstock presiding
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
6 responses. Newest first.
Leo Garcia VenegasU.S. citizen and plaintiff challenging DHS practicesDirectly involved Before this statement
The Institute for Justice quoted Venegas in its announcement of the September 21 temporary stay against the challenged DHS practices.
"For the first time in a long time, I will be able to go to work without worrying that I will be arrested for no reason."
CondemnedCase context: Did DHS violate the Fourth Amendment with warrantless immigration raids on Alabama construction sites?
Full statement and sources
Plaintiff Leo Garcia Venegas said in an Institute for Justice release that, after the court's stay, he would be able to go to work without worrying that he would be arrested for no reason. The release said the court stayed three DHS policies while his case continues.
After the statement
The release also said Venegas has submitted claims to federal agencies announcing his intent to sue under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Federal Court Orders DHS to Stop Detaining People With Valid Identification and Halts Warrantless Construction Site RaidsDated release (September 21, 2026): quotations from Leo Garcia Venegas and Jared McClainWhy this label?
The case asks whether DHS's construction-site practices were lawful and justified or unconstitutional. Venegas, who says he was detained under those practices three times, says that with the stay he can go to work without worrying that he will be "arrested for no reason", which describes the stayed practices as arbitrary arrests. We labeled it Condemned. The closest competing label is a statement of personal relief that takes no position on the practices; it loses because he ties the risk of arrest to the policies the court stayed.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jared McClainAttorney, Institute for Justice, representing the construction workers Before this statement
A federal court stayed DHS's challenged construction-site practices.
"a huge blow to DHS’s lawless enforcement practices"
CondemnedCase context: Did DHS violate the Fourth Amendment with warrantless immigration raids on Alabama construction sites?
Full statement and sources
Jared McClain welcomed the stay of DHS's construction-site practices as restoring the rule of law, rejecting warrantless entry, blanket detention and refusal to credit identification.
After the statement
McClain described the stay as restoring the rule of law and recognizing valid identification.
Federal Court Orders DHS to Stop Detaining People With Valid Identification and Halts Warrantless Construction Site RaidsDated release (September 21, 2026): quotations from Leo Garcia Venegas and Jared McClainWhy this label?
Rejects the challenged raid practices as unlawful.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jared McClainAttorney, Institute for Justice, representing the construction workers Before this statement
A federal court allowed construction workers' lawsuit over DHS detentions to proceed.
"these violations of the Fourth Amendment"
CondemnedCase context: Did DHS violate the Fourth Amendment with warrantless immigration raids on Alabama construction sites?
Full statement and sources
Jared McClain condemned the challenged construction-site practices as Fourth Amendment violations and welcomed the opportunity to prove the claims after the case survived dismissal.
After the statement
McClain said the workers would have an opportunity to prove their allegations.
US Citizen and Construction Worker Wins First Round in His Lawsuit Over Repeated Unconstitutional Detentions · Institute for Justicefull press releaseWhy this label?
Rejects the challenged raid practices as unlawful.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Leo Garcia VenegasPlaintiff; construction workerDirectly involved Before this statement
Judge Beaverstock rejected the government's motion to dismiss on September 3, 2026, allowing Venegas's Fourth Amendment claims against DHS's construction-site enforcement practices to proceed.
"Americans cannot be stopped and held by law enforcement when they are doing nothing wrong. I'm glad my case is moving forward, and I hope it can make lasting change."
CondemnedCase context: Did DHS violate the Fourth Amendment with warrantless immigration raids on Alabama construction sites?
Full statement and sources
After the court denied the government's motion to dismiss his lawsuit, plaintiff Leo Garcia Venegas said Americans should not be detained by law enforcement without cause and welcomed the case moving forward.
After the statement
The Institute for Justice said the ruling was an important first step toward proving the alleged Fourth Amendment violations at trial.
US Citizen and Construction Worker Wins First Round in His Lawsuit Over Repeated Unconstitutional Detentions · Institute for Justicefull press releaseWhy this label?
Venegas's statement condemns being 'stopped and held' by law enforcement 'when doing nothing wrong,' directly criticizing the DHS detention practices challenged in the case as unjustified.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tricia McLaughlinDHS Assistant Secretary for Public AffairsDirectly involvedBefore this statement
The lawsuit filed by Leo Garcia Venegas and the Institute for Justice accused DHS agents of detaining Latino construction workers based on their ethnicity and disregarding their evidence of citizenship.
"DHS law enforcement uses 'reasonable suspicion' to make arrests. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is if they are illegally in the U.S. — NOT their skin color, race, or ethnicity."
Defended or excusedCase context: Did DHS violate the Fourth Amendment with warrantless immigration raids on Alabama construction sites?
Full statement and sources
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the department's construction-site enforcement practices as lawful, rejecting allegations of racial profiling raised in Leo Garcia Venegas's lawsuit and dismissing the suit as unwarranted.
After the statement
McLaughlin also said any U.S. citizens arrested by DHS agents were detained because they obstructed or assaulted law enforcement, not because of their appearance, and that the lawsuit contributed to a reported rise in assaults on ICE officers.
Lawsuit filed against immigration authorities after U.S. citizen's arrests in raids (AP) · Associated Pressfull articleWhy this label?
McLaughlin's statement defends DHS's construction-site enforcement as lawful, denying that ethnicity plays any role in who is detained and asserting agents rely on 'reasonable suspicion' under the Fourth Amendment. This defends the department's targeted practices that are under scrutiny in the case rather than condemning them.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jared McClainSenior Attorney, Institute for Justice, counsel for Leo Garcia Venegas Before this statement
Announcing the filing of Venegas v. Homan on behalf of Leo Garcia Venegas, the Institute for Justice detailed two prior warrantless detentions of Venegas despite his valid REAL ID.
"Armed and masked federal officers are raiding private construction sites in Alabama, detaining whoever they think looks undocumented"
CondemnedCase context: Did DHS violate the Fourth Amendment with warrantless immigration raids on Alabama construction sites?
Full statement and sources
Institute for Justice senior attorney Jared McClain condemned DHS's construction-site raid practices as the lawsuit was filed, describing agents as detaining workers based on appearance rather than individualized evidence.
After the statement
McClain said the lawsuit sought to end DHS's dragnet enforcement approach and require officers to have individualized suspicion before detaining anyone at a construction site.
U.S. Citizen's Lawsuit Demands an End to Unconstitutional Raids and Detentions at Alabama Construction Sites · Institute for Justicefull press releaseWhy this label?
McClain's statement directly condemns DHS's construction-site raid and detention practices as the product of profiling by appearance rather than lawful, individualized suspicion — the conduct under scrutiny in this case.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(11)
Original text
Venegas v. Homan, 1:25-cv-00397 (S.D. Ala.) — Docket
Relevant passage: case docket, filed 2025-09-30, Judge Jeffrey Uhlman Beaverstock presiding
About this source
CourtListener/RECAP docket for the federal case, confirming the case caption Venegas v. Homan, docket number 1:25-cv-00397, filing date of September 30, 2025, the presiding judge, and the full list of named defendants (Tom Homan, Kristi Noem, Pamela Bondi, DHS, DOJ, individual ICE agents, and the United States).
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Federal Court Orders DHS to Stop Detaining People With Valid Identification and Halts Warrantless Construction Site Raids
Relevant passage: Dated release (September 21, 2026): quotations from Leo Garcia Venegas and Jared McClain
About this source
Jared McClain welcomed the stay of DHS's construction-site practices as restoring the rule of law, rejecting warrantless entry, blanket detention and refusal to credit identification.
- Author
- Institute for Justice
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
U.S. citizen wrongfully detained twice in Alabama workplace raids sues immigration authorities (AP/PBS NewsHour)
Relevant passage: full article
Excerpt
"It feels like there is nothing I can do to stop immigration agents from arresting me whenever they want. I just want to work in peace."
About this source
AP wire story (PBS NewsHour reprint) with Venegas's own quote and IJ attorney Jaba Tsitsuashvili's statement, published the day the lawsuit was filed.
- Author
- Tim Sullivan
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Alabama judge freezes ICE construction site tactics after US citizen targeted
Relevant passage: full article
Excerpt
"The court is not persuaded by the government's position that it never needs a warrant to enter a construction site."
About this source
Courthouse News Service report quoting Judge Beaverstock's order at length, including his rejection of the government's 'open field' theory and reasoning on REAL ID and standing.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Federal judge orders ICE to halt 'likely illegal' policies in Baldwin County
Relevant passage: full article
Excerpt
"agents do not treat REAL ID as reliable proof of legal presence"
About this source
Alabama Reflector's report on the September 21 ruling, including detail from the May hearing testimony on DHS's REAL ID position and description of the May 2, 2026 driveway detention.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
US Citizen and Construction Worker Wins First Round in His Lawsuit Over Repeated Unconstitutional Detentions
Relevant passage: full press release
Excerpt
"Americans cannot be stopped and held by law enforcement when they are doing nothing wrong. I'm glad my case is moving forward, and I hope it can make lasting change."
About this source
Institute for Justice press release on Judge Beaverstock's September 3, 2026 denial of the government's motion to dismiss, with quotes from Venegas and IJ senior attorney Jared McClain.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
U.S. Citizen's Lawsuit Demands an End to Unconstitutional Raids and Detentions at Alabama Construction Sites
Relevant passage: full press release
Excerpt
"Armed and masked federal officers are raiding private construction sites in Alabama, detaining whoever they think looks undocumented"
About this source
Institute for Justice's own press release announcing the filing of Venegas v. Homan, with details of the two pre-filing detentions and quotes from Venegas and IJ attorney Jared McClain.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Lawsuit filed against immigration authorities after U.S. citizen's arrests in raids (AP)
Relevant passage: full article
Excerpt
"DHS law enforcement uses 'reasonable suspicion' to make arrests. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is if they are illegally in the U.S. — NOT their skin color, race, or ethnicity."
About this source
Associated Press wire story (byline Tim Sullivan) carrying DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin's on-the-record statement dismissing the lawsuit as 'race-baiting opportunism,' published the day after the AP's initial filing story.
- Author
- Tim Sullivan
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Judge blocks warrantless ICE construction site raids after agents in Alabama arrested a U.S. citizen 3 times
Relevant passage: full article
Excerpt
"the nature of the worksite does not open the floodgates to warrantless government intrusion"
About this source
Reason.com's report on Judge Beaverstock's September 21, 2026 temporary stay order, summarizing the three blocked practices and the government's rejected 'open field' and REAL ID arguments.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
This U.S. citizen is suing ICE for arresting him 3 times. His lawsuit is moving forward.
Relevant passage: full article
Excerpt
"Agents confronted him after he parked in front of his own home, pulled him from his car, tackled him to the ground, and placed him in handcuffs without asking questions or issuing lawful commands."
About this source
Reason.com report on the May 2, 2026 third detention (after the lawsuit was filed) and the September 3, 2026 denial of the government's motion to dismiss, including DHS's standing, open-fields, and REAL ID reliability arguments.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
ICE arrested a U.S. citizen—twice—during Alabama construction site raids. Now he's suing.
Relevant passage: full article
Excerpt
"Officers retrieved his REAL ID from his pocket but claimed it was fraudulent, keeping him handcuffed for over an hour in summer heat before verifying his status through social security records."
About this source
Reason.com's original report on the lawsuit filing, detailing the May 21 and June 12, 2025 detentions and the specific DHS practices challenged.
- Author
- C.J. Ciaramella
- Published
- Accessed
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Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Did DHS violate the Fourth Amendment with warrantless immigration raids on Alabama construction sites?
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
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The Dispute Index. "Did DHS violate the Fourth Amendment with warrantless immigration raids on Alabama construction sites?". First published: 2026-09-24. Last updated: 2026-10-09. https://disputeindex.com/cases/dhs-warrantless-construction-site-raids-alabama