The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California is filing the lawsuit on Friday, challenging the sheriff's ability to detain arrestees solely on the basis of an immigration hold when they are eligible for bail or other forms of release.
British film director Duncan Roy says he spent 89 days in jail because of an immigration hold, even though he tried multiple times to post bail.
A spokesperson says the sheriff's department has the right to hold people, if federal authorities request it.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
