A federal judge has issued a ruling in favor of immigrant advocates, granting a temporary restraining order against the federal administration’s immigration enforcement tactics in Los Angeles and parts of Southern California.
Judge Maame E. Frimpong’s ruling restricts federal agents from detaining individuals unless there is reasonable suspicion that the person is violating U.S. immigration law.
The ruling explicitly prohibits federal officers from basing their suspicion on an individual’s race or ethnicity, language spoken, or presence at certain locations, such as bus stops or day laborer pick-up sites.
Alongside this, the judge also forbade restrictions on attorney access at an immigration detention facility in Los Angeles, ensuring that detainees have the right to confidential phone calls with legal counsel.
In response to the ruling, the White House issued a statement asserting that no federal judge possesses the authority to dictate immigration policy, which is within Congress and the President’s jurisdiction.
Spokesperson Abigail Jackson emphasized that immigration enforcement operations require careful planning and execution, which they believe lies outside the judge’s authority.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli expressed disagreement with the allegations, maintaining that federal agents have always acted with proper legal justification.
The lawsuit, backed by attorneys from Public Counsel and the American Civil Liberties Union, aims to ensure detained individuals can consult with lawyers and put an end to the federal agents’ so-called “roving patrols.”
The government denied claims of unconstitutional practices, asserting that their enforcement activities are justified based on reasonable suspicion and the totality of circumstances.
Judge Frimpong has expressed skepticism about the government’s arguments, demanding more specific details rather than broad generalities.
The federal lawsuit accuses President Donald Trump’s administration of disproportionately targeting individuals with brown skin as part of a sweeping immigration crackdown that has left the region feeling
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