The Fight

The ACLU of Nevada sued LVMPD in October 2025, arguing that the department’s 287(g) agreement with ICE — signed by Sheriff Kevin McMahill in June 2025 — violates Nevada state law. The ACLU contends that Nevada law (AB376) does not give local law enforcement authority to enter 287(g) cooperation agreements with DHS. The suit seeks to block Metro from holding inmates beyond their release date for ICE pickup.

Key Details

Timeline:

• June 16, 2025: LVMPD signs 287(g) WSO agreement with ICE
• October 2025: ACLU of Nevada files lawsuit
• December 2025: 287(g) becomes operationally active; ICE begins taking custody of CCDC inmates
• March 6, 2026: Clark County Judge Monica Trujillo dismisses on procedural grounds — plaintiff Sergio Morais-Hechavarria deported during litigation, rendering case “moot” (case No. A-25-930343-W in Eighth Judicial District Court)
• April 8, 2026: ACLU of Nevada files notice of appeal to Nevada Supreme Court (per ACLU NV press release; some news reports cite April 9 / April 10)
• April 14, 2026: ACLU files petition for Nevada Supreme Court review of the March 6 dismissal (per Las Vegas Review-Journal)
• As of April 15, 2026: Nevada Supreme Court had not yet docketed the case (per Las Vegas Review-Journal); no briefing schedule or oral argument date set as of news check
• ACLU alleges LVMPD ignored an underlying court order and transferred a detainee to ICE custody during the case

Impact so far:

• Since December 2025, ICE has taken at least 240 people into custody through the 287(g) agreement
• ACLU executive director Athar Haseebullah called the ruling the court “effectively washing its hands”
• The case could set precedent for all Nevada 287(g) agreements — at least three other jurisdictions (Douglas, Mineral, Lyon counties) have entered agreements

Named counsel / parties:

• ACLU of Nevada: Sadmira Ramic, Senior Staff Attorney (lead counsel of record per ACLU NV press release)
• ACLU of Nevada Executive Director: Athar Haseebullah
• LVMPD: Sheriff Kevin McMahill (signed June 16, 2025 287(g) WSO agreement)
• Clark County District Court Judge: Monica Trujillo (issued March 6 dismissal)
• Plaintiff: Sergio Morais-Hechavarria (deported during litigation; reportedly held in Texas under federal immigration hold)

Key legal question: Does AB376 prohibit Nevada local agencies from signing 287(g) agreements? The district court never reached this merits question. The Nevada Supreme Court appeal could resolve it.

Sources

• ACLU appeals LVMPD lawsuit to Nevada Supreme Court (Fox5 Vegas, Apr 9, 2026)
• Metro’s cooperation with ICE violates state law, says ACLU (Nevada Current, Oct 13, 2025)
• Vegas judge tossed ACLU suit over 287(g) (Nevada Independent, Mar 2026)
• ACLU of Nevada files notice of appeal (ACLU NV, Apr 8, 2026)
• ACLU petitions Nevada Supreme Court to review Metro-ICE pact (Las Vegas Review-Journal, Apr 14-15, 2026)
• ACLU appeals to high court after judge rejects suit (News3LV, Apr 8, 2026)