Federal Court Blocks LA Immigration Raids, Marking Major Legal Defeat for Trump-Era Enforcement Tactics

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday supported a prior federal decision that barred immigration-related arrests in the Los Angeles area without clear probable cause. The three-judge panel expressed serious concerns over racial profiling, particularly the targeting of individuals based on their language—such as speaking Spanish—or ethnicity. The court emphasized that these practices likely violate the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unlawful searches and seizures.

The decision keeps in place a temporary restraining order issued in July, halting broad-scale immigration operations across the region. The halted raids, which began in early June, had already resulted in nearly 3,000 arrests and caused fear throughout immigrant communities—including among legal residents and U.S. citizens who were mistakenly caught in the dragnet.

The lawsuit challenging the raids was filed by civil rights organizations, including the ACLU of Southern California. The complaint cited several incidents where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and National Guard members conducted raids at residences, bus terminals, flea markets, and even at a licensed cannabis farm in Camarillo, California—often without warrants or legitimate suspicion.

“Today’s ruling confirms that the federal government cannot override constitutional protections in the name of enforcement,” said Mohammad Tajsar, a senior attorney at the ACLU. “The militarized approach inflicted deep and lasting harm, especially on communities of color.”

U.S. District Judge Maame E. Frimpong, who issued the original injunction, is scheduled to hold a follow-up hearing in September to evaluate whether the temporary restrictions should be made permanent. Until then, federal agents remain barred from conducting similar raids within the jurisdiction.

While the Biden administration has distanced itself from some Trump-era immigration policies, the Department of Homeland Security has not ruled out appealing the decision. The government may now request a review by the full Ninth Circuit or petition the U.S. Supreme Court.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the court's ruling, calling it “a necessary step to protect our communities and preserve constitutional rights.” She encouraged residents to remain vigilant and united against federal actions that disrupt families and undermine public trust.

Despite the temporary pause in Los Angeles, immigration enforcement has not stopped entirely. Raids have continued in neighboring regions such as San Diego County, where a recent sweep led to multiple arrests at a Home Depot in Encinitas—areas not covered by the court’s ruling.

Legal analysts suggest that the case could set a national precedent, especially in Democratic-led cities that have resisted federal immigration crackdowns in recent years. With tensions rising over immigration policy in the run-up to the 2026 elections, the court’s decision could significantly shape future debates over federal versus local authority in immigration enforcement.