Federal Judge Weighs Restraining Order to Halt ‘Roving’ Immigration Raids in Los Angeles

U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong appeared critical of the government’s defense of immigration officers’ actions in Los Angeles County.

In court Thursday, the judge’s criticism suggested she may order immigration agents to refrain from making stops without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity and require that detainees be granted access to legal counsel.

Frimpong said she will decide Friday whether to temporarily halt what civil rights attorneys describe as “roving” immigration raids in Los Angeles, amid growing outcry from public officials and immigrant advocates over alleged racial profiling and violations of constitutional rights.

Attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Public Counsel are seeking a temporary restraining order against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arguing that immigration agents are detaining people without warrants or probable cause—often based on race or perceived ethnicity.

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, Montebello Mayor Salvador Melendez, Monterey Park Mayor Vinh Ngo, West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Byers and Culver City Vice Mayor Freddy Puza also voiced support for the legal challenge during an event on Tuesday.

“These events are unprecedented in American history,” Mark Rosenbaum, an attorney with Public Counsel, told the court, referring to the widespread immigration enforcement actions that have sparked protests and fear throughout Latino communities in recent weeks.

Plaintiffs claim that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection have targeted individuals based on appearance or occupation, particularly at locations like car washes and home improvement store parking lots.

Mohammad Tajsar, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Southern California, told the court that the stops are racially motivated.

“It’s happening with people who appear Latino,” he said. “They are stopping people and asking questions later.”

The federal government denies the accusations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Bashyrov said immigration enforcement actions are based on evidence and the “totality of the circumstances,” and he defended agents’ use of face coverings as necessary to avoid being “doxed.”

“The federal government has concentrated thousands of armed immigration agents, many of whom lack visible identification, and military troops in our communities, conducting unconstitutional raids, roundups and anonymous detentions,” Feldstein Soto said. “We will not stand by and allow these raids to continue.”

Bass echoed the sentiment, saying Los Angeles is being used as a “test case” by the Trump administration. “We will not be intimidated—we are making Los Angeles the example of how people who believe in American values will stand together and stand united.”

The growing resistance comes amid reports of federal activity in locations including Van Nuys and MacArthur Park, where over 100 agents were seen gathered earlier this week before leaving without making arrests. Four people were reportedly arrested for allegedly placing spike strips to disable enforcement vehicles.

In a statement, the White House defended immigration enforcement, calling Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents “heroes” who continue their mission to remove violent criminals from the streets.

L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis also announced the County’s formal participation in the lawsuit, citing recent incidents of individuals detained without warrants.

“We’ve seen individuals picked up at car washes and Home Depot parking lots, then simply disappear,” she said.

Despite mounting criticism, the Department of Homeland Security has defended its operations.

“Claims that individuals have been ‘targeted’ because of their skin color are disgusting and categorically FALSE,” the agency stated online. “These types of smears are designed to demonize our brave Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement.”