Attorneys for a young “Dreamer” facing deportation claim in a federal petition that immigration officers violated her right to freedom of speech, arguing she was targeted by authorities because she spoke out at a news conference about her hopes for immigration reform and the effect of enforcement raids on her family. The Southern Poverty Law Center and the National Immigration Law Center joined Vargas’ immigration attorneys to file a habeas petition late Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Vargas barricaded herself in her home, yet federal agents returned with a search warrant and broke in. In the petition filed Monday, Vargas’ attorneys argue the actions taken against her could have a chilling effect on others who wish to speak out about immigration. According to her attorneys, Vargas has two pending legal avenues to remain in the country lawfully.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 07, 2017 21:14 UTC