News Summary
A lawsuit by the ACLU sheds light on the troubling treatment of detainees by local law enforcement and ICE in Nevada. The case centers on Sergio Morais-Hechavarria, who was mistakenly released to ICE instead of receiving a court-ordered treatment. The legal battle raises serious questions about civil liberties and the cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities amidst communication challenges for families. With ongoing debates around public safety and immigration policy, the outcome of the suit could lead to vital reforms in the treatment of detainees.
Las Vegas – A lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has brought to light serious concerns regarding the treatment of detainees by local law enforcement in collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. The case revolves around Sergio Morais-Hechavarria, a 36-year-old man who was mistakenly released to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) instead of being sent to an inpatient treatment facility as ordered by a district judge.
Morais-Hechavarria had been incarcerated in the Clark County Detention Center since June 17, 2025, after being charged with attempting to possess a stolen vehicle. On October 16, 2025, following the filing of an ACLU lawsuit against the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s agreement to comply with ICE holds, he was released directly into ICE custody without receiving the mandated treatment. This release came as a significant shock, particularly to his attorney, Sadmira Ramic, who was unaware of his transfer until her visit to the detention center.
Upon his release, Morais-Hechavarria was taken to the El Paso Service Processing Center, further complicating matters for his legal representation. The lack of communication from ICE, particularly regarding the transfer, raised alarming questions about the agency’s practices, which are reported to leave families in distress when attempting to locate their loved ones.
The ACLU of Nevada has condemned the actions of local law enforcement, asserting that the cooperation with ICE erodes civil liberties and due process. The executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, Athar Haseebullah, criticized the federal government’s pressure on local police for complicity in immigration enforcement, highlighting a growing tension between public safety and immigration policies.
This incident is not isolated. Another individual, Rafael Lopez Gomez, faced a similar situation when he was reportedly arrested by ICE agents in a public neighborhood, allegedly detained at gunpoint. Following his arrest, he was found hospitalized, handcuffed, and in poor health, raising concerns from his family about his treatment and the transparency of ICE’s communication regarding detainees.
Challenges in communication have become a recurring theme for families across Nevada, who struggle to obtain information on their loved ones in ICE custody. This lack of clarity has prompted calls for systemic changes in how ICE interacts with the public and informs families about the status and whereabouts of detainees.
In response to the concerns over local and federal cooperation, the Washoe County Jail has announced plans to remodel its detention facility to better accommodate ICE operations. This move highlights an ongoing partnership that some community members view with skepticism, fearing that it may lead to increased detentions and further complicate immigrants’ rights.
Additionally, Nevada’s political climate plays a role in the debate surrounding immigration enforcement. Governor Joe Lombardo has accused Attorney General Aaron Ford of upholding sanctuary policies, a claim Ford has denied, asserting that local law enforcement remains committed to public safety without compromising individuals’ rights.
With over 220,000 undocumented immigrants residing in Nevada as of 2025, the implications of current practices and policies regarding immigration enforcement resonate deeply within the community. These developments raise critical questions about the balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting the civil liberties of all individuals within the state.
The outcome of the ACLU’s lawsuit and the broader dialogue surrounding these practices remain to be seen, but the situation has undoubtedly highlighted the urgent need for reform in communication and treatment of individuals in ICE custody.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Arrested After Series of Shootings in North Las Vegas
Filipino Town Las Vegas Established to Celebrate Heritage
Nevada PUC Hosts Sessions on NV Energy Billing Controversy
New Biologics Manufacturing Facility in Henderson, NV
Early Morning Fire in Las Vegas Mobile Home Hospitalizes Two
Muscle Movers LLC Enhances Moving Experience in Las Vegas
Light & Wonder Faces Legal Challenges from Aristocrat
Las Vegas Reconsiders Ban on Pet Sales in Stores
Las Vegas Faces Lawsuit Over ICE Police Partnership
PUCN Reschedules Session on NV Energy Overcharging Proposal
Additional Resources
- The Nevada Independent
- Wikipedia: Immigration enforcement in the United States
- Las Vegas Weekly
- Google Search: immigration lawyers interview
- Las Vegas Sun
- Google Scholar: ICE detainers
- Nevada Current
- Encyclopedia Britannica: FEMA
- KTVB
- Google News: ICE arrests
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
