A federal judge orders immigration halt on widespread stops and arrests in seven California counties, including Los Angeles. The ruling came Friday in response to a lawsuit brought by immigrant advocacy groups. These groups accused the Trump administration of targeting brown-skinned individuals during immigration enforcement operations.
The lawsuit highlights claims of racial profiling, warrantless arrests, and denial of legal access. Plaintiffs include three detained immigrants and two U.S. citizens. One citizen was detained despite showing valid identification to immigration agents.
The legal filing asked the court to block unconstitutional tactics used in immigration raids. The advocates argue that officials detained people solely based on race or ethnicity. They also accuse agents of failing to allow detainees to consult with attorneys at a holding facility in downtown Los Angeles.
Judge Maame E. Frimpong quickly responded by issuing emergency orders. These orders temporarily halt indiscriminate stops and arrests while the lawsuit moves forward. The judge also barred the government from restricting attorney access at the downtown LA immigration detention center.
During a hearing, advocacy groups argued that these practices violated the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Judge Frimpong wrote that the court saw a “mountain of evidence” supporting these claims.
The White House criticized the ruling, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson stating that immigration policy belongs to Congress and the President—not the courts. She called the judge’s order a “gross overstep” of judicial authority and promised an appeal.
Lawyers from immigrant defense groups say they have repeatedly been denied access to the detention facility known as “B-18” since June. On one occasion, government agents used loud horns and chemical sprays to prevent lawyers from communicating rights to detainees.
Officials limited access only during violent protests, saying they wanted to protect detainees and employees. However, attorneys report officials blocked access even when no protests happened nearby. They also say detainees frequently lack enough food, beds, and phone access.
Friday’s order requires immigration officials to stop using race, ethnicity, language spoken, or occupation as the sole reasons for stops. It mandates that attorneys must be allowed to visit B-18 seven days a week. The order also demands confidential phone access between detainees and their lawyers.
Support for the judge’s decision came from 18 Democratic state attorneys general who filed briefs backing the order. Earlier this year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents were already barred from making warrantless arrests in parts of eastern California due to a similar ruling.
This case marks a significant check on immigration enforcement practices in California. The federal judge orders immigration halt on operations that advocates say violate constitutional rights, highlighting growing legal resistance to the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
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