Judge: Immigrants' Ability To Pay Bond Should Be Weighed

RIVERSIDE, CA.(AP) — A federal judge in Southern California has issued a preliminary injunction ordering immigration agents and judges to consider immigrants' ability to pay when setting bond.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California said Friday that U.S. District Judge Jesus G. Bernal issued the ruling late Thursday.

The ACLU sued earlier this year to demand that immigrants' ability to pay be considered to avoid keeping people in immigration detention solely because they are poor.

The judge also granted class status in the lawsuit to immigrants in the Los Angeles area who are detained even though a bond was set for them. The ACLU says there can be more than 100 immigrants in this situation daily.

Messages seeking comment were sent to federal officials.