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Federal judge rules ICE's warrantless arrests at Liberty restaurant unlawful, extends settlement terms

Oct 10, 2025 · Liberty, Missouri

On February 7, 2025, ICE officers arrested 12 employees at El Potro Mexican Restaurant in Liberty, Missouri while searching for a registered sex offender. A federal judge ruled that 11 of the arrests were unlawful, finding that ICE lacked probable cause to justify warrantless arrests and violated a legal settlement agreement requiring probable cause that a person is likely to escape before making such arrests in the Midwest region. The judge found that the restaurant owner was not informed that employees had the option to refuse speaking with agents. The National Immigrant Justice Center brought the case challenging the raids. The federal judge extended the terms of the settlement agreement through February 2026.

Timeline

Oct 10, 2025Federal judge ruled 11 of the 12 arrests unlawful due to lack of probable cause and violation of settlement agreement; extended settlement terms through February 2026
Feb 7, 2025ICE officers arrested 12 employees at El Potro Mexican Restaurant in Liberty, Missouri while searching for a registered sex offender

Sources

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