A report claims that U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston, who blocked warrantless ICE arrests in parts of California, may have a conflict of interest.
Her husband, Marc A. Thurston, is a multifamily real estate broker in Bakersfield and allegedly said that Trump’s deportation policies would harm the rental market.
Independent journalist Laura Loomer argues this creates a financial conflict, as over 15,000 undocumented workers live in the region. She cited federal judicial rules requiring recusal in cases involving spousal financial interest.
Loomer also posted videos of Marc Thurston expressing concern about vacancies due to deportations, which were later deleted.
Judge Thurston’s April 29, 2025, order limits Border Patrol arrests without warrants in her district, following an ACLU lawsuit over a January enforcement operation targeting laborers.
