FAC represents Buen Vecino in CPRA litigation against Ventura County and its sheriff to compel disclosure of video footage showing what deputy sheriffs did at a controversial immigration enforcement operation at Glass House Farms in Ventura County.
During the operation, federal officials requested help from the Ventura County sheriff’s department. According to a statement by the sheriff, the department sent a “tactical response team” to “keep the peace between protestors and federal agents.” The sheriff disclaimed any intent to “participate in immigration raids.”
Buen Vecino, a nonprofit community organization, asked the sheriff’s department for copies of “any and all body-worn camera footage, including audio, video, or photographs recorded at or in relation to the operation.” The department denied the request, contending the footage was exempt from disclosure as a record of a law enforcement investigation.
While broad, the CPRA’s investigatory records exemption does not cover records of everything that law enforcement officers do. The sheriff stated the officers were present to keep the peace, and he did not claim they were investigating any alleged crimes. We believe the evident lack of any criminal investigation by Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies means the department cannot rely on the “investigative records” exemption.
FAC is co-counseling this case with Gregory Pleasants and Shaffy Moeel, two experienced litigators with backgrounds in CPRA litigation and immigration-related matters.
News:
- FAC Represents Buen Vecino in Lawsuit for Public Records About High-Profile Immigration Raid (11/17/2025)
Legal Documents: