The Supreme Court on Monday lifted a restraining order that limited federal immigration enforcement tactics in Los Angeles, allowing broader operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The 6-3 conservative majority overturned a lower court ruling that barred agents from stopping individuals solely based on race, language, job, or location.
U.S. District Judge Maame E. Frimpong had found “a mountain of evidence” that the enforcement tactics violated constitutional rights, citing cases where U.S. citizens were detained. The lawsuit, filed by immigrant advocacy groups, alleges that the Trump administration’s crackdown disproportionately targeted brown-skinned people in the Los Angeles area.
The Department of Homeland Security argued that agents focus on illegal presence, not race or ethnicity, and that the restraining order unduly restricted factors ICE agents can consider during stops. The ruling comes amid increased federal enforcement in Los Angeles and Washington, including deployment of the National Guard.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys stated, “Numerous U.S. citizens and others who are lawfully present in this country have been subjected to significant intrusions on their liberty.” One plaintiff, Brian Gavidia, a U.S. citizen, was detained despite asserting his citizenship.
The case will continue in California courts.
Sources
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