5-4 Immigration and Naturalization Service v. Lopez-Mendoza
23 snips
Oct 21, 2025 Delve into the complex world of immigration law and constitutional rights as the hosts unpack the case involving the arrests of two Mexican workers. They explore the Fourth Amendment's implications in deportation proceedings and critique Justice O'Connor's rationale for treating deportation as civil. With passionate discussions on exclusionary rules, systemic incentives, and the long-term effects on immigration enforcement, the engaging analysis reveals the significant gaps in rights protections within immigration courts.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Workplace Arrest At Transmission Shop
- INS agents entered a transmission shop without a warrant and questioned workers despite the owner's refusal.
- Adan Lopez Mendoza identified himself and was arrested, then placed into deportation proceedings.
Potato Plant Roundup Example
- INS agents questioned workers at a potato plant and detained people during shift changes without warrants.
- Elias Sandoval Sanchez was arrested after they conducted spot questioning and later put into immigration proceedings.
Civil Label Lowers Constitutional Protections
- The Supreme Court treated deportation as a civil matter and thus limited criminal-style protections.
- Sandra Day O'Connor used that civil classification to argue the exclusionary rule need not apply in deportation proceedings.